A 62-Year-Old Woman With Skin Cancer Who Experienced Wrong-Site Surgery

摘要: After a life-threatening complication of an injection for neck pain several years ago, Ms W experienced wrong-site surgery to remove squamous cell lesion from her nose, followed by pain, distress, and shaken trust in clinicians. Her experience highlights the challenges communicating with patients after errors. Harmful medical errors occur relatively frequently. Gaps exist between patients' expectations disclosure apology physicians' ability deliver disclosures well. This discrepancy reflects clinicians' fear litigation, concern that might harm patients, lack confidence skills. Many institutions are developing programs, some reporting success coupling early offers compensation patients. However, much has yet be learned about effective strategies. Important future developments include increased emphasis on institutions' responsibility disclosure, involving trainees other team members strengthening relationship quality improvement.