Introduction

Central Highlands Anaesthetic Associates (CHAA) is committed to providing exceptional patient care with a strong emphasis on patient safety and open communication. The Open Disclosure Policy outlines CHAA's approach to disclosing adverse events or medical errors to patients, their families, and caregivers. This policy aims to ensure that patients are treated with transparency, empathy, and respect, and that they are actively involved in the disclosure process.

2. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to:

• Foster a culture of openness and accountability in CHAA regarding adverse events or medical errors.

• Provide patients and their families with clear, honest, and timely information about any adverse incident that may occur during their anesthesia or perioperative care.

• Support patients and their families emotionally and practically during the open disclosure process.

• Continuously learn from adverse events to improve patient safety and the quality of anesthesia services.

3. Scope

This policy applies to all anaesthesia providers, and staff members associated with CHAA, regardless of their employment status or contractual arrangements.

4. Definitions

• Adverse Event: Any unintended harm or injury caused to a patient during the course of anesthesia or perioperative care, whether resulting from medical error, system failures, or other factors.

• Medical Error: A preventable mistake or failure to follow established anesthesia practices, leading to an adverse event.

• Open Disclosure: The process of proactively communicating with patients and their families about an adverse event or medical error, including a sincere expression of regret or apology, if appropriate.

5. Principles of Open Disclosure

The following principles guide CHAA's open disclosure process:

5.1 Open and Timely Communication 

CHAA is committed to providing open and honest communication to patients in the event of adverse events. Patients will be provided with accurate and timely information throughout the open disclosure process. This may involve ongoing communication to ensure that patients are well-informed about the situation and its progress.

5.2 Acknowledgment of Adverse Events 

In the event of an adverse event, CHAA will acknowledge the occurrence of the event as soon as practicable. This acknowledgment will initiate the open disclosure process and demonstrate our commitment to transparency and patient safety.

5.3 Apology or Expression of Regret 

CHAA recognises the importance of expressing empathy and regret to patients who have experienced harm as a result of an adverse event. Patients will receive a sincere apology or expression of regret at the earliest appropriate moment, emphasising our dedication to their well-being.

5.4 Recognition of Reasonable Expectations 

Patients have the right to be fully informed about adverse events, their causes, consequences, and potential impact on their health. Throughout the open disclosure process, patients will be treated with empathy, respect, and consideration. CHAA will provide support tailored to the individual needs of each patient.

5.5 Staff Support and Reporting Culture 

CHAA will foster an environment where all staff members are encouraged to recognize, report, and address adverse events without fear of reprisal. We recognize the importance of learning from mistakes and improving patient care. Staff members will be provided with the necessary resources and support to actively participate in the open disclosure process.

5.6 Integrated Risk Management and Systems Improvement 

Adverse events and outcomes will be thoroughly investigated using a comprehensive and systematic approach. CHAA will utilise integrated risk management strategies to identify root causes, contributing factors, and potential areas for improvement. Lessons learned from adverse events will be used to enhance our systems, protocols, and practices, ultimately leading to higher standards of patient safety and care.

5.7 Continuous Improvement 

CHAA is dedicated to continuously improving our open disclosure process and patient safety initiatives. Feedback from patients, staff, and stakeholders will be actively sought and used to refine our approach and ensure that our policies remain effective and aligned with best practices.

6. Open Disclosure Process

• Incident Reporting: Any adverse event or medical error observed or suspected by CHAA personnel must be reported promptly to the designated incident reporting authority.

•  Initial Assessment: The incident shall be thoroughly assessed to determine its severity, root causes, and potential impact on the patient's health.

• Disclosure to Patients: Once the incident has been assessed, the patient (or their authorised representative) shall be informed of the adverse event or medical error. The disclosure shall be made in person whenever possible, and all efforts shall be made to ensure the patient's comfort and privacy during the conversation.

• Content of Disclosure: The open disclosure shall include an explanation of what happened, the potential consequences of the incident, and any actions being taken to mitigate harm and prevent similar occurrences in the future.

• Support and Follow-up: CHAA shall offer appropriate support and follow-up to the patient and their family, providing information about available resources, counselling, and the ongoing management of their care.

7. Confidentiality and Legal Considerations

CHAA shall comply with all relevant laws, regulations, and ethical guidelines pertaining to patient confidentiality, legal obligations, and reporting requirements during the open disclosure process.

8. Training and Education

CHAA personnel involved in patient care and communication shall receive regular training on effective communication, empathetic disclosure, and handling emotionally sensitive situations.

9. Continuous Improvement

CHAA shall conduct regular reviews and analyses of adverse events to identify patterns and potential areas for improvement and implement strategies to enhance patient safety and care quality.

10. Communication and Public Awareness

CHAA shall communicate its commitment to open disclosure and patient safety to the public, fostering trust and confidence in its anesthesia services.

11. Policy Review and Approval

This open disclosure policy shall be reviewed periodically, and any necessary updates shall be made with the approval of the CHAA governing body.

12. Policy Implementation

This policy shall be communicated to all CHAA personnel, and adherence to the policy shall be monitored through appropriate mechanisms.

Central Highlands Anaesthetic Associates upholds this open disclosure policy to ensure patient safety, transparent communication, and continuous improvement in anesthesia services.

13. Conclusion

This Open Disclosure Policy reflects Central Highland Anaesthetic Associates' commitment to open communication, patient-centred care, and continuous improvement. By adhering to these principles, we strive to enhance patient safety, promote transparency, and maintain the trust and confidence of our patients and their families.