Skip to main content

The PSNet Collection: All Content

The AHRQ PSNet Collection comprises an extensive selection of resources relevant to the patient safety community. These resources come in a variety of formats, including literature, research, tools, and Web sites. Resources are identified using the National Library of Medicine’s Medline database, various news and content aggregators, and the expertise of the AHRQ PSNet editorial and technical teams.

Search All Content

Search Tips
Selection
Format
Download
Filter By Author(s)
Advanced Filtering Mode
Date Ranges
Published Date
Original Publication Date
Original Publication Date
PSNet Publication Date
Selection
Format
Download
Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 Results
Aldrich R, Finlayson P, Hill K, et al. Int J Qual Health Care. 2012;24:135-43.
Considerable research has provided insight on how individual clinicians should disclose errors to patients. This article explores a scenario that is perhaps less common but equally difficult to negotiate—disclosing large-scale errors to an entire population. The situation arose when a routine peer review in Australia identified one pathologist as having an unusually high rate of diagnostic errors. This prompted review of more than 7000 cases by independent pathologists who identified clinically significant errors in almost 3% of cases. The health department leadership opted for a full disclosure approach, using mass media communications to publicize the findings and providing resources and support for affected patients and families. While other organizations have publicly reported large-scale safety problems, this article provides unique insights into utilizing principles of full disclosure on a widespread basis.