The study, led by researchers at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle, urged anesthesiologists to become acquainted with disclosure philosophies and practice as the healthcare industry puts increasing focus on disclosure of unanticipated outcomes.
According to the study, many physicians remain wary of discussing errors with patients due to concern about litigation, the communication challenges of disclosure and loss of self-esteem. This means that errors may not be disclosed to patients — a particular problem for anesthesiologists, who have a limited time to build a provider-patient relationship before the anesthetic is administered.
The study urges anesthesiologists to become aware of emergency best practices surrounding disclosure, as well as the training opportunities and disclosure support resources that are increasingly available.
Read the abstract of the study in Anesthesia & Analgesia.
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