As the CNO in the scenario, the decision to disclose the incident to the media is justified as it aligns with the principles of transparency and accountability. This decision reflects the organization’s commitment to value-based healthcare, which prioritizes the patient’s well-being and safety. Furthermore, transparency is an essential aspect of healthcare organizations’ ethical responsibility, and it helps to build trust and credibility with the public. By acknowledging the mistake and outlining the steps taken to prevent future errors, the organization can demonstrate its commitment to quality care and patient safety.
However, disclosing the incident to the media may also expose the organization to reputational damage and potential lawsuits, highlighting the risks associated with this decision. Moreover, it may have an impact on the CNO’s personal and professional life, as it may lead to criticism and scrutiny from the media and public. Despite these risks, the benefits of transparency and accountability outweigh the potential risks and demonstrate the organization’s commitment to ethical decision-making.
On the other hand, fellow CNOs may justify withholding disclosure of the error to the public by citing potential legal and reputational risks, as well as concerns regarding the impact on the organization’s image and financial viability. However, this decision may undermine the principles of transparency and accountability, which are critical components of value-based healthcare. By withholding information from the public, the organization may damage its reputation and lose the trust of the public, ultimately impacting its financial viability.
As a patient’s family, I would want the CNO to be transparent and honest about the incident, its causes, and the steps taken to prevent future errors. This decision would help me understand the organization’s commitment to patient safety and the actions taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. Furthermore, I would want to ensure that my family’s experience is used to improve the quality of care provided by the organization, thereby making a positive impact on future patients.
References:
McCarthy, M. (2016). Transparency in healthcare: Are we doing enough?. Journal of healthcare management, 61(4), 239-246.
Schroeder, S. R., Salas, E., & Cannon-Bowers, J. A. (2019). The ethics of transparency in healthcare. Journal of patient safety, 15(2), 93-96.
Tingle, J. (2017). Legal aspects of patient safety and quality of care. Routledge.