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Related Experiment Videos

'Doing the right thing' after an adverse event.

Marie Bismark1, Ron Paterson

  • 1Harvard School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, USA. hdc@hdc.org.nz

The New Zealand Medical Journal
|August 2, 2005
PubMed
Summary

When patients suffer adverse events, their distress is often amplified by healthcare professionals failing to communicate honestly and compassionately. Ethical practice, including apologies and a willingness to learn, is crucial for patient and family well-being.

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Area of Science:

  • Medical Ethics
  • Patient Safety
  • Healthcare Communication

Background:

  • Over a thousand annual complaints to the New Zealand Health and Disability Commissioner highlight patient dissatisfaction.
  • Patient distress often stems from the lack of appropriate response following adverse events, not solely the injury itself.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To emphasize the critical role of ethical conduct in healthcare following adverse events.
  • To underscore the importance of honesty, compassion, and accountability in patient care.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of patient complaint data and ethical practice standards.
  • Review of communication strategies in healthcare settings.

Main Results:

  • Failure to 'do the right thing'—honesty, compassion, apologies, learning—exacerbates patient and family suffering.
  • Ethical responses are paramount in mitigating harm and rebuilding trust after medical errors.

Conclusions:

  • Adhering to everyday ethical standards is essential for healthcare professionals managing adverse events.
  • Open communication and accountability are vital for patient well-being and professional integrity.

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