Immediate Response
what is the first response after an adverse event occurs?
Provide immediate care and stabilize the patient
Name one key ingredient of early communication after an adverse event.
Expressing compassion
Who must be notified after an adverse event?
Providers, risk management, and appropriate organizational leaders
When should you apologize?
When harm occurs due to errors or system failures
What term describes caregivers harmed emotionally after an event?
Second victim
What should you NOT do immediately after noticing a patient reaction?
Leave the patient to report the event before assessing them
When is communication with the patient usually not necessary?
When there is a near miss
Documentation must be ______ and ______.
Complete and neutral
What is the first component of a proper apology?
Acknowledgment of what happened
Name one common emotional reaction caregivers experience
Guilt, fear, depression, or anxiety
True or false: You should test equipment involved to see what went wrong.
False — equipment must be sequestered exactly as is
Which team member often helps guide communication and conflict resolution?
A risk manager
Name one thing that MUST be included in the medical record after the event.
The objective description of what happened
What should you avoid during the explanation step of an apology?
Speculation
What support resource offers confidential second-victim help?
MITSS – Medically Induced Trauma Support Services
Within how many hours should risk‑based prioritization of the event occur?
Within 72 hours
List one reason why clinicians hesitate to disclose errors
Fear of legal consequences, blame, or job loss
What should you avoid in documentation?
: Speculation or blame
Which part of an apology expresses regret, shame, or humility?
The expression of remorse
Why is it harmful to “stay silent” after being involved in an error?
It increases emotional distress and isolation
What model teaches us to analyze layers of system defenses instead of blaming individuals?
The Swiss Cheese Model
According to AMA guidance, what principle should guide communication regardless of liability concerns?
Honest, open communication with patients
Why is rapid reporting critical?
Details fade, and timely information is needed to prevent future harm
What does “reparation” involve?
Explaining how you will support the patient and prevent recurrence
What should leaders ensure RCA team members have during the investigation process?
Protected time and no conflicting duties