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How surgeons disclose medical errors to patients: a study using standardized patients.  

Chan DK, Gallagher TH, Reznick R, et al. How surgeons disclose medical errors to patients: a study using standardized patients. Surgery. 2005;138(5):851-8.

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March 29, 2010
Chan DK, Gallagher TH, Reznick R, et al. Surgery. 2005;138(5):851-8.
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This study evaluated the capacity of 30 academic surgeons to discuss error scenarios, such as wrong-side surgery and retained sponges, with standardized patients. Investigators analyzed the conversations and discovered that 57% of the surgeons used the word "error" or "mistake," but less than half offered a verbal apology. The authors conclude that significant gaps exist between how physicians disclose medical errors and what patients expect in such conversations, thereby generating a need for educational intervention. The same authors previously wrote a commentary calling for professional action in disclosure of medical errors.

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Chan DK, Gallagher TH, Reznick R, et al. How surgeons disclose medical errors to patients: a study using standardized patients. Surgery. 2005;138(5):851-8.