Patient disclosure of medical errors in paediatrics: A systematic literature review

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Medicine
• Patient Safety
• Healthcare Policy

Background:

• Medical errors frequently occur in pediatric care, yet the disclosure process remains under-examined.
• Effective communication of medical errors is crucial for patient safety and trust in pediatric settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review existing research on medical error disclosure in pediatric settings.
• To examine current Canadian and international policies related to disclosing medical errors involving pediatric patients.
• To synthesize findings and identify future research priorities and policy implications.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of peer-reviewed research published within the last 10 years.
• Analysis of scientific journals across various disciplines.
• Overview of relevant Canadian and international policy initiatives.

Main Results:

• Limited research currently exists on the specific processes and challenges of medical error disclosure in pediatrics.
• A review of policies indicates varying approaches to disclosure in pediatric care globally.
• Key gaps in evidence and policy were identified, highlighting the need for further investigation.

Conclusions:

• There is a significant need for more research into the disclosure of medical errors in pediatric patient care.
• Policy development and implementation require further attention to ensure consistent and effective disclosure practices.
• Addressing these gaps is essential for improving patient safety and healthcare quality in pediatrics.