How to Teach Error Disclosure to Students and Residents

Abstract

A key skill for educators is preparing the next generation of physicians for more transparent and empathetic discussions about errors. Errors are common in healthcare, and many result in patient injury or death. Disclosure conversations should be planned in advance to cover the essential content areas. Here, we focus on instructing and involving trainees in disclosure of actual errors occurring in the course of care, but also encourage using this approach in simulation and didactic settings.