Open disclousure

Question 1

Why is open disclosure important?

Answer 1

1. Patient has a right to be informed of what is happening to them
2. To minimise harm to the patient
3. We have a duty of care to the paitnet
4. To maintain trust in the dentist-patient relationship
5. To gian informed consent for any further treatment related to the incident
6. To prevent a recurrence of the incident to others
7. To possibly avoid formal complaint

Question 2

What are the elements of open disclosure?

Answer 2

1. An apology or expression of regret
2. A factual explanation of what happened
3. An opportunity for the patient to relate their experience
4. An explanation of the steps being taken to manage the event and prevent recurrence
5. Appropriate documentation of the process

Question 3

What is the definition of open disclosure?

Answer 3

Open disclosure is the process of providing an open, consistent approach to communicating with patients/consumers, their family, carer and/or support person following a patient incident. The process includes expressing regret or saying sorry.

Question 4

What are two separate but linked process are initiated in SA dental post patient incident?

Answer 4

1. Open disclosure
2. Incident reporting

Question 5

What are the steps for open disclosure?

Answer 5

1. Acknowledgement of the incident, and offering initiating or signalling the need for open disclosure
2. Preparing for, and engagin in open disclosure discussion, including expressing regret
3. Providing follow up to patient and family/caregiver, including actions taken as a result of the investigation
4. Completing process and maintaining documentation

Question 6

How do we express regret? Give an example.

Answer 6

I am sorry that this has happened to you.

Question 7

Why can be difficult to say sorry at times?

Answer 7

1. Innate fight or flight response
2. Vulnerability aspect
3. Fear
4. Self-image issues
5. Worry that patient might still file a complaint
6. Lack of confidence