Sorry, you need to enable JavaScript to visit this website.
Skip to main content
Commentary

When there's no one to whom an error can be disclosed, how should an error be handled?

Chiu RG. When There's No One to Whom an Error Can Be Disclosed, How Should an Error Be Handled? AMA J Ethics. 2019;21(7):E553-558. doi:10.1001/amajethics.2019.553.

Save
Print
August 14, 2019
Chiu RG. AMA J Ethics. 2019;21(7):E553-558.
View more articles from the same authors.

Although disclosure of medical error to patients is difficult, it is an ethical responsibility. This article discusses situations involving patients who are incapacitated and unrepresented but have no surrogate present to assist in communication and care coordination. Despite this challenge, the author argues that the clinician and organization still have the responsibility to document what happened, communicate what is known, and rectify the mistake.

Save
Print
Cite
Citation

Chiu RG. When There's No One to Whom an Error Can Be Disclosed, How Should an Error Be Handled? AMA J Ethics. 2019;21(7):E553-558. doi:10.1001/amajethics.2019.553.