[Perspective of nursing students on the communication and apologies to patients for adverse events: a descriptive study]

Abstract

Objectives: To describe the approach to the communication and blame of an adverse by nursing students.

Method: A descriptive study on disclosure and apologies for adverse events by nursing students in the academic years 2011-12 and 2012-13. The study included group discussion and drafting a written communication to the injured patient about adverse events during hospitalization. An ad hoc checklist was used and an analysis was performed on items related to the disclosure and apologies issues.

Results: A total of 126 nursing students were involved, and they created 21 written The facts about adverse events were reported in 81% of written communications, and 47.1% chose an abbreviated disclosure of the facts with no detailed explanation of adverse events. The facts were accurately reproduced in only 9.5% of written communications to the patients. One third (33.3%) apologized for the mistakes, and 47.6% required that the communication was signed by the Management. All (100%) of the nursing students chose not to report the health professionals who had participated during the events.

Conclusions: There is a fear to acknowledge errors within health centers. It is recommended that tools are developed for these future nursing professionals to make an open and honest disclosure of adverse events, as well as the apologies for them.

Keywords: Adverse event; Apology; Comunicación; Disclosure; Disculpa; Enfermería; Evento adverso; Nursing.