Pediatric Nurses and Preventable Adverse Event Disclosure

Abstract

Background: Preventable adverse events are an unfortunately frequent occurrence of pediatric health care. Disclosure of preventable adverse events to patients is a vital aspect of ethical and just practice. Pediatric nurses’ have a unique role as part of the clinical care team. Despite the prevalence of preventable adverse events and the impact of nurses, best practice for pediatric nurses during disclosure is not specified. In addition, it is unclear how pediatric patient and their family. This work provides a foundation for future nursing research and the development and identification of best practice for pediatric preventable adverse event disclosure. Methods: First, thorough review of existing literature identified gaps and key themes. Secondly, a cross-sectional survey shared via social media provided insight into the current policy, education, and pediatric nurses’ involvement in PAE. Lastly, pediatric nurses’ perspectives were unveiled via narrative interviews, adding the voice of nurses into the dialogue. Results: Pediatric nurses in the U.S. want the option to be present during disclosure to patients and their families. Currently, nurses are seldom present during disclosure and do not routinely receive disclosure training, nor do they have a policy to guide them through the process. While there has been a trend towards the use of interdisciplinary disclosure teams, it is unclear what role a nurse has. Conclusions: This exploratory work is foundational to understanding pediatric nurses and PAE disclosure and future research exploring best practice for policy, education, and practice are needed.