Disclosure – What Happens after Medical Errors are Encountered?

Two decades ago, medical errors were brought into the spotlight with the Institute of Medicine’s report To Err is Human. This report highlighted the alarming rate of medical errors and can be credited to the numerous efforts undertaken to improve the safety of health care delivery. After a medical error occurs, patients expect disclosure of the event. What exactly does the process of disclosure entail? Galagher provides a simple assessment of disclosure that includes three elements:

1. Sharing the information about and surrounding the adverse event and resulting error
2. Providing emotional support to the patient that includes an apology
3. Outlining the follow up actions that will be taken for resolution and prevention

Emphasis of the disclosure process is placed on the apology to the patient and the degree of information shared. Because of the sensitivity surrounding the disclosure process, practicing providers and learners have indicated the need for disclosure training. Literature has indicated the best way for learners within the health professions to build and acquire the necessary disclosure skills is through simulation experiences and role modeling by faculty members.

It is certain that errors will continue to be encountered as the field of medicine evolves and that the resultant disclosure process after these adverse events will be critical. As medical educators, we must assess if there are opportunities to enhance our disclosure curriculum.

Join the #MedEdPearls Twitter discussion to share how our #MedEd network can collaborate to enhance the disclosure research. How do we ensure learners are prepared for the disclosure process?