Patients' and doctors' attitudes to amount of information given after unintended injury during treatment: cross sectional, questionnaire survey

摘要

Unintended injuries (adverse events) caused during treatment are much more common than previously believed. Recent legal and disciplinary cases have shown that, although patients are increasingly dissatis- fied with a perceived lack of openness in the medical profession, doctors are not legally obliged to provide an explanation after an adverse event. Because of this, the General Medical Council has revised its guidance on Good medical practice, stating that after an adverse event A full and honest explanation and an apology should be Provided routinely.