Disclosure of Error

Keep in mind the following points for disclosure of the error:

• All errors that impacted the patient should be disclosed in full
• Make an explicit statement that errors occurred
• Provide a basic description of the errors that occurred, and why they may have happened
• Each member of the team should acknowledge their own personal role in contributing to the error, without blaming or pointing fingers
• Apologize
• Respond forthrightly to questions about the event
• Offer plans to prevent future errors
• Offer to follow up in the future with the patient and/or family member
• Keep in mind general communication skills with patient and/or family
  
  • Introducing yourself
  • Displaying empathy verbally and nonverbally
• Document error disclosure in the patient's chart