Responding to medical errors — implementing the modern ethical paradigm.
Gallagher TH, Kachalia A. Responding to medical errors — implementing the modern ethical paradigm. New Engl J Med. 2024;390(3):193-197. doi:10.1056/nejmp2309554.
Communication and resolution programs (CRP) detail effective ways that healthcare organizations and professionals should respond to and disclose medical errors and adverse events. This commentary advocates for implementation of CRPs in all healthcare systems while acknowledging several challenges: leadership and organizational commitment; fear of liability; balance between transparency and legal confidentiality privileges; and maintaining patient trust during the disclosure process.