Distinguish between disclosure and apology. Draft a brief statement illustrating how each might be expressed to a patient following a medical error. What are the past barriers that limited the provider’s willingness to disclose errors after they had occurred? Identify specific activities which are now in place to reduce some of these barriers. Describe the position taken by external and regulatory groups related to disclosure.

Distinguish between disclosure and apology. Draft a brief statement illustrating how each might be expressed to a patient following a medical error. What are the past barriers that limited the provider’s willingness to disclose errors after they had occurred? Identify specific activities which are now in place to reduce some of these barriers. Describe the position taken by external and regulatory groups related to disclosure.