Find education, training and practical tools to help healthcare staff build the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to communicate openly and compassionately following a patient safety incident.
Resources support preparation, communication and follow-up during the open disclosure process, including guidance on implementing the Open Disclosure Policy (PD2023_034).
Training videos
These videos demonstrate open disclosure in practice and highlight approaches to effective communication following a patient safety incident.
Developed with thanks to Hunter New England Local Health District.
Education
Access open disclosure learning modules through My Health Learning.
Introduction to open disclosure
Course code: 47311513. A short introductory module for clinicians and other healthcare staff, demonstrating the essential principles of open disclosure.
Clinician disclosure module
Course code: 49145772. Six short lessons designed to develop the skills required to conduct clinician disclosure following a patient safety incident.
Open disclosure advisor module
Course code: 59186195. Six lessons for senior clinicians and managers, or those seeking to advance their open disclosure skills, including supporting the formal open disclosure process.
Guidance
- General principles and requirements for open disclosure (PDF 143.8 KB)
- Guidance on Aboriginal cultural engagement during open disclosure process (PDF 221.3 KB)
- Good communication in open disclosure discussions (PDF 133.1 KB)
Practical tools
- Open disclosure process flow chart (PDF 133.1 KB)
- Checklist A Clinician disclosure (PDF 202.1 KB)
- Checklist B Preparation for formal open disclosure (PDF 179.7 KB)
- Checklist C Open Disclosure team meeting (PDF 164.9 KB)
- Checklist D During the disclosure (PDF 171.7 KB)
- Checklist E Completing formal open disclosure (PDF 170.2 KB)
Visit the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care for additional open disclosure resources.