The Pathologist / Issues / 2016 / Aug / It’s Our Turn to Talk: Pathologists, Patients and Diagnostic Errors – Part II
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It’s Our Turn to Talk: Pathologists, Patients and Diagnostic Errors – Part II

In the first of this two-part feature (1), we discussed the reasons why disclosure of diagnostic errors can be so problematic. But we also noted that most physicians want transparency. What are the best ways to release their inhibitions and help them kick-start these difficult conversations? In the final installment of this feature, experts in the disclosure and communication of medical errors share their thoughts on how pathologists might explore what will be – for many – uncharted territory.

08/19/2016 1 min read

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5 Key Takeaways

  • 1

    Michael Laposata emphasizes the importance of pathologists as integral members of the diagnostic team.

  • 2

    Barriers to medical error disclosure include fear of reputation damage and lack of established communication protocols.

  • 3

    The development of error disclosure guidelines is increasing globally, enhancing transparency and safety in healthcare.

  • 4

    Laposata advocates for a dedicated error disclosure function to improve understanding and management of diagnostic errors.

  • 5

    Cultural factors, including fear of litigation and punitive organizational environments, hinder effective error disclosure.

References

  1. N Miller, “We Need to Talk”, The Pathologist, 20, 18–29 (2016). EP Balogh et al., “Improving diagnosis in healthcare”, Institute of Medicine (2015). Available at: http://bit.ly/1KxJPO4. Accessed June 10, 2016. MA Makary, M Daniel, “Medical error – the third leading cause of death in the US”, BMJ, 353, i2139 (2016). PMID: 27143499. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, “Communication and Optimal Resolution (CANDOR) Toolkit”. Available at: http://bit.ly/1P2A17C. Accessed July 13, 2016. “Collaborative for Accountability and Improvement”. Available at: http://www.communicationandresolution.org. Accessed August 15, 2016. MACRMI, “MACRMI and CARe: What’s New”, Presented at the 4th Annual CARe Forum; April 19, 2016; Waltham, USA. “Massachusetts Alliance for Communication and Resolution following Medical Injury.” Available at: http://www.macrmi.com. Accessed August 15, 2016.

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