PRACTICE PARTNER
The clinical event giving rise to the
harm, as well as all discussions with
the patient, should be recorded in
the patient’s medical record in
accordance with the College’s
Medical Records policy (www.
cpso.on.ca/Policies-Publications/
Policy/Medical-Records).
The College suggests the following
additional tips in preparing for a
disclosure discussion:
• isclosure should be made in a
D
sensitive manner taking into consideration the patient’s personal,
social, religious, and cultural
needs.
• penly communicate the facts as
O
known.
• rovide a short, objective sumP
mary of the incident.
• void speculation.
A
• eassure the patient or his or her
R
substitute decision-maker that
you will do everything you can to
address their concerns.
• utline a plan for prompt and
O
thorough intervention to mitigate
the harm done.
• f possible, transfer the patient to
I
the care of another physician if
the patient or his or her substitute
decision-maker so desires.
• hysicians may wish to contact
P
their medical malpractice provider
for advice before proceeding with
disclosure.
• hysicians may wish to consult
P
the Canadian Medical Protective
Association’s publication, Commu-
Learn more about upcoming
Council meetings
The upcoming Council meeting agenda and background materials
are posted on our website (www.cpso.on.ca) up to two weeks prior
to Council meetings. These materials remain posted until we report
on the major actions taken and issues discussed at the meeting in
Council Update.
2014 Council meeting dates:
May 29 and 30; September 4 and 5; December 4 and 5
34
DIALOGUE • Issue 1, 2014
nicating with Your Patient About
Harm: Disclosure of Adverse Events.
• hysicians may wish to contact
P
the College’s Physician Advisory
Service for advice before proceeding with disclosure (416-9672606)
For more information
The College’s Disclosure of Harm Policy:
www.cpso.on.ca/Policies-Publications/
Policy/Disclosure-of-Harm
Canadian Patient Safety Institute’s
Canadian Disclosure Guidelines www.
patientsafetyinstitute.ca/