Disclosure of unanticipated events: the next step in better communication with patients (part 1 of 3).
The change in thinking that has taken place since 2001 about the role disclosure plays in supporting safe and effective care is reviewed. Discussion also includes the initial impact of the 2001 Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations' patient safety standards. The report concludes with commentary about the barriers to open communication and effective models used to address them.