What does open disclosure entail in healthcare settings?

Open disclosure in healthcare settings refers to the practice of openly discussing adverse events that may have resulted in harm to a patient. This process involves transparent communication between healthcare providers and patients, ensuring that patients are informed about what occurred, how it happened, and the implications for their health and care. The primary aim of open disclosure is to promote patient safety, build trust, and improve the quality of care by learning from mistakes.

The focus of open disclosure is on honest and compassionate dialogue, which often includes discussions about what steps are being taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. It emphasizes the importance of the patient’s understanding and involvement in their own care, supporting a collaborative environment between healthcare providers and patients.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the core principles of open disclosure. Financial compensation or a detailed report without patient input do not embody the communicative and educational aspects of the open disclosure process. Confidential meetings, while potentially useful in some contexts, lack the transparency and patient-centered approach central to open disclosure practices.