The programs for open disclosure of adverse medical events to patients

Abstract

The aim of this study is to present and compare programs for open disclosure of adverse medical events to patients by medical personnel. Australia, Canada, and the United States, based on apology laws, procedures, medical staff handbooks, training, and fair culture, have implemented solutions that focus on the needs of the patient after the adverse event. It has been proven that a proper patient communication process can reduce the number of claims brought against staff or medical institutions. However, there are barriers to communicating adverse events to patients. These are ingrained in the “deny and defend” strategy, which does not promote a culture of learning from mistakes. The paper also discusses the second victim syndrome, which is the second victim of an adverse event such as medical personnel experiencing emotional damage after an incident.