… defines patient safety will affect that placement. … Sine DM, Paull D. Where should patient safety be installed?.  J …

Hierarchy and authority gradients are persistent contributors to poor communication in health care. This commentary describes a way for clinicians to challenge authority and assert themselves to enhance team communication and raise concerns.

Using case review and interviews, researchers found that not all serious adverse events resulted in institutional error disclosure. Extending beyond fear of legal action, barriers to disclosure included uncertainty, helplessness, and anxiety. This study demonstrates that even in a health care system with a well-articulated disclosure policy and process, implementation remains incomplete.