Transparency and Disclosure

Abstract

Disclosure of medical errors and adverse outcomes is expected by regulatory agencies and society as a whole. Disclosure should occur in a systematic way that ensures honesty and transparency regarding the care that has been provided. It is often appropriate to seek professional help from Clinical Risk Management to assist with disclosure of any serious safety event that resulted in harm. Disclosure of medical errors facilitates efforts to prevent recurrence of safety events.

Keywords: Disclosure; Early resolution; Medical error; Patient safety; Transparency.