After an adverse event, which statement best reflects ethical disclosure to the patient?

• A. The patient should be told only minimal information to avoid distress.
• B. Honest disclosure of what happened, an apology if appropriate, explanation of immediate actions taken to protect safety, and discussion of steps to prevent recurrence; document.
• C. Delay disclosure until after investigators finish.
• D. Blame others.

Answer: (B)

Ethical disclosure after an adverse event centers on honesty, patient autonomy, and patient safety. The best approach is to tell the patient honestly what happened, offer an apology if appropriate, explain the immediate actions taken to protect safety, and discuss steps to prevent recurrence, and document the conversation. This respects the patient’s right to know what occurred, helps maintain trust, and supports a safety-focused culture within the team by showing accountability and a commitment to learning from the event.

Providing only minimal information or delaying disclosure deprives the patient of essential knowledge and can erode trust. Blaming others shifts responsibility away from the care team and is contrary to professional standards. Plain, patient-friendly language, an opportunity for questions, and clear notes about what was discussed and what follow-up actions will occur are all important parts of responsible disclosure.