Mini course · Intermediate level
Disclosing Medical Errors to Patients
When something goes wrong, tell the truth with compassion, and help patients and staff move forward.
What is Disclosing Medical Errors to Patients?
When patients are harmed by healthcare, they want to know what happened, an apology, and reassurance that it won't happen to others. Open disclosure meets these needs and supports trust, learning and fairness. This course covers the principles of disclosure, preparing for the conversation, what to say and what not to say, apologising appropriately, follow-up, documentation and supporting staff involved in errors, often called second victims.
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- Lessons
- 5
- Level
- Intermediate
- Format
- Online, self-paced
What you'll be able to do
- Explain the ethical and professional basis for open disclosure
- Prepare for a disclosure conversation after a described event
- Communicate what is known about an event honestly and clearly
- Offer an appropriate apology
- Plan follow-up communication with the patient and family
- Identify support needs of staff involved in an adverse event
Who this course is for
Course content
5 lessons · 1.5 hours total · free preview available
1Why Disclosure Matters
16 minFree preview· Course content
Why Disclosure Matters
What patients want after harm.
2Preparing for the Conversation
18 min· Course content
Preparing for the Conversation
Available after you enroll.
3The Disclosure Conversation
22 min· Course content
The Disclosure Conversation
Available after you enroll.
4Follow-Up and Documentation
16 min· Course content
Follow-Up and Documentation
Available after you enroll.
5Supporting Staff
18 min· Course content
Supporting Staff
Available after you enroll.
Earn a credential employers can check
Every AIHCM credential has a unique ID that anyone can verify online in seconds.
Issued: on completion
How it works
- Finish all 5 lessons at your own pace.
- Get your digital credential with a unique ID.
- Share it — employers can verify it at aihcm.us.
Questions people ask
Does apologising mean admitting legal liability?
Laws on apology differ by country. The course explains principles; follow your organisation's policy and seek advice where needed.
What if we don't yet know what happened?
Disclose what is known, explain what will be investigated and commit to follow-up.
Who should lead the conversation?
Usually the senior clinician responsible, supported by others. The course covers team roles.
What is a second victim?
A healthcare worker who experiences distress after being involved in an adverse event.