Ethical Principles in Medical Error Disclosure: From Harm to Healing in Clinical Practice

Area of Science:

• Medical Ethics
• Healthcare Policy
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Medical error disclosure is essential for patient-centered care.
• Ethical principles like autonomy and justice guide transparent communication.
• Paternalism and systemic inequities pose challenges to disclosure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the ethical foundations of medical error disclosure.
• To examine challenges and institutional frameworks for transparent communication.
• To underscore the importance of disclosure for healthcare improvement.

Main Methods:

• Ethical analysis using principles of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice.
• Review of institutional frameworks like the Communication and Optimal Resolution (CANDOR) process.
• Discussion of systemic factors and clinician support.

Main Results:

• Ethical principles support transparency in medical error disclosure.
• The CANDOR process aids accountability, learning, and transparency.
• Addressing inequities and supporting clinicians are crucial for effective disclosure.

Conclusions:

• Medical error disclosure is a shared ethical responsibility.
• Disclosure fosters trust, fairness, and continuous improvement in healthcare.
• Ethical training, supportive policies, and collaboration enhance disclosure practices.