Open Disclosure

Open Disclosure is a frank discussion with a patient and their support person about a patient-related incident that may have resulted in harm or injury to the patient.

The NSW Government wants to ensure that if an incident occurs, patients receive an apology and explanation and are treated with empathy, honesty and transparency in a timely manner. Similarly, NSW Health recognises that staff also need to be supported through such incidents and is committed to providing the right environment, resources and culture to guide staff.

The Open Disclosure poster entitled: Statewide Implementation of Open Disclosure: ‘Because it’s the right thing to do’ was accepted for presentation at the the ISQua Conference in Copenhagen on 19-22 October and ACHS Conference in Adelaide on 29-31 October.

Click here to download the poster

Open Disclosure is the right thing to do. While it is already happening in many parts of our health service, the NSW Government wants to ensure it is routinely practised by all staff, thereby stengthening the relationship and confidence between the patient and staff involved in their care.

To support this outcome, NSW Health has revised the Open Disclosure Policy and the Open Disclosure Guidelines, and is providing training opportunities for all staff in NSW Health

• Openness and timeliness of communication
• Acknowledgement of the incident
• Expression of regret/apology
• Recognition of the reasonable expectations of the patient and their support person
• Support for staff
• Confidentiality