Nurses often left out of medical error talks

HealthDay/Washington Post, January 23, 2009

Nurses want to, and should be, included in the discussion when physicians talk to patients about serious medical mistakes that were made, a new study shows. The study said nurses play a critical role with the patient and leaving them out of such discussions weakens the disclosure experience for the patient or their family. The authors call for a team disclosure process that follows established policies allowing nurses and other caregivers into the mix. They also suggest training be provided about how to talk to patients and families about errors.