Researchers sent surveys to 333 providers in healthcare systems in Washington, Massachusetts and Georgia. Of that figure, 630 PCPs responded to the survey. Researchers asked the providers to evaluate two realistic, hypothetical cases including a delayed breast cancer diagnosis and a care coronation breakdown that resulted in a delayed response to a patient’s symptoms. In the scenarios, multiple providers were at fault for the error.
Researchers then followed up by asking four questions regarding what they would say in terms of an apology, an explanation, information about the event and next steps for preventing recurrences. Those participating had the option to choose from non-disclosure, partial disclosure and full disclosure responses.
Here are four things to know:
1. Most providers reported they would not fully disclose a harmful medical error in either of the two situations. Respondents said they would give a limited or no apology as well as limited or no explanation and limited or no information about the cause.
2. For the case involving delayed diagnosis of cancer, 77 percent of PCPs said they would offer either no information or make vague references to miscommunication when asked if they would tell the patient about the error’s cause.
3. When asked if they would tell the patient about the error’s cause, 58 percent of PCPs said they would offer no information or make vague references to miscommunication for the scenario entailing a care coordination breakdown.
4. For both cases, more than 50 percent said they would not apologize or would provide patients a vague expression of regret.
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