What Is a Physician’s Obligation to Disclose ‘Near-Miss’ and ‘No-Harm’ Events to Patients?

by G. Richard Holt, MD, MSE, MPH, MABE, D Bioethics •

This was a no-harm event that could have resulted in harm save for the fortuitous and timely recovery of the patient’s medical information. Patient safety and ethical obligations should always be priorities, and disclosure should be patient centered and sincere.

Dr. Holt is professor emeritus and clinical professor in the department of otolaryngology–head and neck surgery at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio.