Medical Error Disclosure Practices among Nurse Practitioners in Connecticut

Increasing emphasis on the culture of safety is motivating the healthcare industry to implement clearer policies on medical error disclosure (MED) practices. Although nurse practitioners (NPs) are recognized as primary care providers in the United States, research literature on the topic of MED still focuses on physicians, and ignores contributions of NPs. Focusing on the topic of MED, this research is a pioneering attempt to articulate the perspectives of NPs in the State of Connecticut. Using an online survey instrument grounded in quantitative research methods, data were collected from NPs (n=32). The theoretical lenses used to interpret data for this study were High Reliability Theory and Competent Communication Theory. Findings contribute towards a better understanding of nurse practitioners' perspectives on MED practices; and proposes a new conceptual model, the Jacob Report-Support Model(c), to implement MED practices and policies that will involve all medical providers, including NPs. This model views the whole system of medical providers as a system; proposes to shift the focus away from the individual provider to the complete system of providers; and identifies eleven critical areas as focal points to facilitate MED process in any healthcare setting. Though yet to be tested for its effectiveness, the Jacob Report-Support Model(c) may provide a sense of direction to future researchers, and directors of healthcare agencies to promote and implement a culture of safety. The findings and discussions here may have implications for current and future NPs, training programs, healthcare industry and policy makers both regionally and nationally.