Disclosure of medical error — MCCQE Part 1 MCQ

Correct answer: E — Treat the patient, notify the supervisor, disclose known facts promptly with empathy, document, and file the required report

The immediate priority after a harmful prescribing incident is the patient's safety and clinical care, here prompt correction of hypoglycaemia and appropriate monitoring. The resident should notify the supervising physician and participate in a timely disclosure led by the appropriate responsible clinician. Initial disclosure should state the known facts, explain the current condition and next clinical steps, express empathy and, for a clear wrong-dose event, include an appropriate apology without speculation or blame. Relevant clinical care and disclosure discussions belong in the medical record. A separate institutional incident report supports quality improvement but does not replace chart documentation and should not be copied into the chart. Waiting for the patient to ask, delaying urgent treatment for legal advice, or shifting responsibility to another profession conflicts with patient-safety and disclosure obligations. Expected full recovery does not remove the duty to disclose harm.

Reference: CMPA disclosure guidance: https://www.cmpa-acpm.ca/en/advice-publications/handbooks/disclosing-harm-from-healthcare-delivery-open-and-honest-communication-with-patients ; https://www.cmpa-acpm.ca/en/education-events/good-practices/physician-patient/disclosure-of-patient-safety-incidents