MANUSCRIPT: Transparency in medical error disclosure: the need for formal teaching in undergraduate medical education curriculum
As ‘practice makes perfect’, we believe that the incorporation of formal teaching of transparent medical error disclosure in medical curricula is greatly needed. Medical schools play central roles in cultivating the significance and developing the communication skills needed for proficient and effective medical error disclosure. Moreover, they play key roles in resolving all barriers that may hinder transparency and full disclosure of medical errors. Such an approach is expected to educate a safe physician workforce where intrinsic drives and capabilities to remain transparent at all times – regardless of consequences – will serve as the basis for enhancing patient–doctor relationships, limiting further harm and improving overall healthcare safety
Written by Brian S McGowan, PhD
Brian is a research scientist and educational technologist. He helped transform Pfizer’s Medical Education Group and previously served in educational leadership roles at HealthAnswers, Inc.; Acumentis, LLC.; Cephalon; and Wyeth. He taught graduate medical education programs at Arcadia University for 10 years. Dr. McGowan recently authored the book "#socialQI: Simple Solutions for Improving Your Healthcare" and has been invited to speak internationally on the subject of information flow, technology, and learning in healthcare.
