Abstract
Background
The Italian code of medical deontology stipulates that physicians must inform patients of each unwanted event and its causes, identifying, reporting, and evaluating adverse events and errors. This duty extends beyond the doctor-patient relationship and is central to improving professional service quality and clinical risk management.
Discussion
The new deontological precepts emphasize the physician’s integrity and role in patient safety strategies. Honest and correct information is required, fostering reciprocal trust and improving risk management. This includes disclosing adverse events and errors as a tool for enhancing transparency and reliability in healthcare systems.
Summary
The Italian code promotes a system-focused approach to risk management, advocating transparency in adverse event outcomes. Physicians must balance communication skills, patient safety, and error disclosure, ensuring trust while addressing potential liability concerns. These measures aim to improve clinical outcomes and ethical practices in medicine.
Key Questions
1. What is the duty of candour in the Italian code of medical ethics?
The duty of candour requires physicians to disclose adverse events and medical errors honestly and transparently, improving trust and patient safety.
2. How does the Italian code address medical error disclosure?
The code stipulates that errors and adverse events must be disclosed promptly, with clear and empathetic communication tailored to the patient’s understanding and emotional state.
3. What challenges do physicians face in error disclosure?
Fear of litigation, professional liability concerns, and emotional stress make error disclosure challenging, despite ethical obligations to maintain transparency.
4. How does the system-focused approach improve risk management?
This approach shifts from blaming individuals to identifying systemic issues, fostering process improvements and safer practices to reduce errors.
