The Function of Disclosing Medical Errors: New Cultural Challenges for Physicians

Author(s)

Mendonca, Vitor S. ^[1] ; Gallagher, Thomas H. ^[1] ; de Oliveira, Reinaldo A. ^[2]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Washington, Div Gen Internal Med, Med Ctr Scholarship Patient Care Qual & Safety, 1959 NE Pacific St BB1240, Box 356526, Seattle, WA 98109 - USA

^[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Med, Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: HEC FORUM; v. 31, n. 3, p. 167-175, SEP 2019.
• Web of Science Citations: 1

Abstract

A general consensus has been reached in health care organizations that the disclosure of medical errors can be a very powerful way to improve patients and physicians well-being and serves as a core component to high quality health care. This practice strongly encourages transparent communication with patients after medical errors or unanticipated outcomes. However, many countries, such as Brazil, do not have a culture of disclosing harmful errors to patients or standards emphasizing the importance of disclosing, taking responsibility, apologizing, and discussing the prevention of recurrences. Medical error is not discussed or approached during medical school. The stigma of error has a strong connection with value judgments, and emotional support for physicians does not exist. This paper suggests that open communication with the patient is essential. Guidance about error disclosure from health care organizations would be helpful for quality and patient safety and for health care professionals in countries like Brazil. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 16/02973-4 - Medical malpractice in the practices of American health: contributions to an ethical and humanized care in Brazil
• Grantee: Vitor Silva Mendonça
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor