Error Disclosure to Patients and Families: Ethical Imperatives and Safety Outcomes

Abstract

Medical error remains an unavoidable yet deeply consequential aspect of contemporary healthcare, affecting patients, families, clinicians, and healthcare systems alike. Increasing recognition of patient safety as a core dimension of healthcare quality has transformed attitudes toward transparency, with disclosure of adverse events now regarded as both an ethical obligation and a practical strategy for improving outcomes. Error disclosure involves communicating information about unintended harm caused by healthcare management rather than the underlying disease, including explanations, expressions of regret, and remediation plans. Although professional organizations widely endorse disclosure, practices remain inconsistent due to legal concerns, communication barriers, emotional challenges, and institutional cultures resistant to openness. This narrative review examines the ethical foundations of disclosure, its psychological impact on patients and clinicians, legal considerations, organizational implications, and its role in promoting patient safety. Evidence indicates that effective disclosure can preserve trust, reduce litigation, support recovery for both patients and providers, and facilitate system-level learning. However, achieving these benefits requires structured communication strategies, education, and supportive policies that balance accountability with compassion. As healthcare systems become increasingly complex and technologically advanced, embedding transparency within safety culture is essential for maintaining public trust and preventing future harm.