Medical Error Disclosure: ’Sorry’ Works and Education Works!

Abstract

Patient safety and medical errors have emerged as global concerns and error disclosure has been established as standards of practice in many countries. Disclosure of medical errors to patients and their families is an important part of patient-centred medical care and is essential to maintaining trust. However, physicians still hesitate to disclose errors to patients despite their belief that errors should be disclosed. Multiple barriers such as fear of medical lawsuits and punishment, fear of damaging their professional reputation, and diminished patient trust inhibit error disclosure. These barriers as well as lack of training or education programs addressing error disclosure contribute to a low estimated disclosure rate in real situations. Nowadays, the importance of patient safety education including error disclosure is emphasized and related research is increasing. In this paper, we will discuss the background of medical error disclosure and studies on education programs related to error disclosure. In this regard, we will examine the content and methods currently being taught, discuss the effects or outcomes of such education programs and obstacles or difficulties in implementing them. Finally, the direction of future error disclosure education, support systems, and education strategies will also be covered.