This educational DVD (Windows and Mac platform) addresses the essential principles of communicating with patients about surgical errors and adverse outcomes. Research has revealed that physicians and patients have very different perspectives regarding these issues, and this DVD presents viewpoints of each group. Critical concepts for understanding and approaching conversations regarding surgical errors and adverse outcomes are presented by Drs. Thomas Gallagher and John Banja during surgical grand rounds at Emory University Hospital, Atlanta, GA. In addition, three vignettes involving a retained sponge, an operating room burn, and a common bile duct injury depict surgeons interacting with patients in these scenarios using a variety of strategies and approaches. Discussion points for each vignette are provided.

The content does not provide legal advice, nor does it establish a standard of care for disclosing surgical error. It is also a valuable tool for teaching and group discussion purposes with surgeons, residents, or medical students. This project was supported by Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Grant number U 18 HS12021. Developed by ACS Division of Education. Please note continuing education (CME) credit is not available for this product.