Disclosing medical errors: prioritising the needs of patients and families.

Thomas H Gallagher; Carole Hemmelgarn; Evan M Benjamin

Commentary

Disclosing medical errors: prioritising the needs of patients and families.

July 5, 2023

Gallagher TH, Hemmelgarn C, Benjamin EM. BMJ Qual Saf. 2023;32(10):557-561.

View more articles from the same authors.

Numerous organizations promote communication with patients and families after harm has occurred due to medical error. This commentary reflects on perceived barriers to patient disclosure and describes the patient and family perspectives and needs following harm. The authors promote the use of Communication and Resolution Programs (CRP) such as the learning community Pathway to Accountability, Compassion, and Transparency (PACT) to advance research, policy, and transparency regarding patient harm.

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