Sorry, you need to enable JavaScript to visit this website.
Skip to main content
Commentary

The disclosure dilemma—large-scale adverse events.

Dudzinski DM, Hébert PC, Foglia MB, et al. The disclosure dilemma--large-scale adverse events. New Engl J Med. 2010;363(10):978-986. doi:10.1056/NEJMhle1003134.

Save
Print
September 8, 2010
Dudzinski DM, Hébert PC, Foglia MB, et al. New Engl J Med. 2010;363(10):978-986.
View more articles from the same authors.

Error disclosure policies for events that affect individual patients have traditionally focused on what information to share and how to share it; of course, discussions about individual disclosure occur in the context of the active debate about whether disclosure has an impact on liability risk. This study discusses large-scale adverse events (such as failure to sterilize an endoscope used on scores of patients), which harm or carry a potential to harm groups of patients, and how individual organizations should manage their disclosure process. Drawing on a number of representative cases, the authors recommend key elements for a disclosure policy. They include developing an institutional policy, planning proactively for disclosures, communicating with the public, and planning for appropriate patient follow-up. Although the authors point out the challenge these events often raise, they advocate for disclosure as a norm to reinforce transparency, trust, and integrity with the public.

Save
Print
Cite
Citation

Dudzinski DM, Hébert PC, Foglia MB, et al. The disclosure dilemma--large-scale adverse events. New Engl J Med. 2010;363(10):978-986. doi:10.1056/NEJMhle1003134.

Related Resources From the Same Author(s)
Related Resources