[Frankness regarding errors in medical care].
In recent years, increasing attention has been given to the importance of disclosing medical errors. Many physicians are still reluctant to disclose errors and to discuss them with the patient. Recent legislative developments have reduced the existing uncertainty regarding the legal consequences of full disclosure. It is important that physicians are open and honest about the errors they make, that they apologise if necessary, and that measures are taken to prevent the same errors from happening again. Psychological factors hindering the full disclosure of errors require continued attention.
Legemaate
J
J
VU Medisch Centrum, Instituut voor Extramuraal Geneeskundig Onderzoek, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam. johan.legemaate@vumc.nl
van Everdingen
J J E
JJ
Kievit
J
J
Stappers
J W M
JW
D030881:Disclosure / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006801:Humans; D019300:Medical Errors / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D009426:Netherlands; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D010820:Physicians / Q000523:psychology*