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Open disclosure
What is open disclosure?
Open disclosure is the process of open communication with a patient, and or their family/support person, following an adverse or unexpected event that may or may not result in harm to the patient.
Open disclosure forms part of a wider initiative. The national Open Disclosure standard is available on the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Healthcare (the Commission).
Why is it important?
Open disclosure, along with the Victorian Clinical Governance Policy Framework aims to ensure that patients are central to quality and safety issues and improvement initiatives.
In accordance with the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006, public entities (including public health services) have a legal obligation to discuss adverse events with the affected patient and or family/carer.
The department also recognises that it is essential to support staff so that they respond effectively and learn from adverse events, to subsequently improve patient safety. Health services should ensure they provide the right environment, resources and a blame free culture to guide staff through the process of open disclosure.
Resources
The Department of Health has a range of resources to assist organisations to develop internal policies, processes and practices in relation to open disclosure of adverse events.
