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Disclosing errors and adverse events in the intensive care unit.
Dennis Boyle1, Daniel O'Connell, Frederic W Platt
1Department of Medicine, Denver Health Medical Center and University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, CO, USA.
Critical Care Medicine
|March 17, 2006
Summary
Disclosing medical errors and adverse events in critical care is crucial but often overlooked. Implementing a standard disclosure framework can improve patient communication and trust.
Area of Science:
- Medical Ethics
- Patient Safety
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Disclosure of errors and adverse events in critical care is a significant challenge.
- Despite mandates, physicians often fail to disclose harm caused by medical errors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the issue of disclosing errors in care and adverse events in critical care.
- To provide an approach for discussing errors and adverse events with patients and families.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of the problem scope, definitions, and benefits/challenges of disclosure.
- Application of a standardized framework for disclosure discussions.
Main Results:
- Most intensivists believe errors should be disclosed, yet routine disclosure is uncommon.
- Disclosure offers ethical, financial, legal, and personal benefits.
- Critical care settings have a higher likelihood of adverse events.
Conclusions:
- Failure to disclose errors and adverse events in critical care is a prevalent issue.
- Numerous benefits support the disclosure of errors and adverse events.
- A standard disclosure framework can facilitate these difficult conversations.