A recently published systematic review found that though there is considerable support for disclosure of medical errors among both physicians and the public, the evidence suggests many such occurrences are not disclosed. This review synthesized evidence from 17 studies, the majority of which were based on questionnaires or other modes of self-report. The authors conclude that most studies conducted to date have focused on the decision whether or not to disclose errors to patients and that more research is needed on disclosure processes, the consequences of disclosure, and the relationships between them.
(Mazor KM, Simon SR, Gurwitz JH. Communication with patients about medical errors: a review of the literature. Arch Intern Med 2004;164:1690-7.)