---
title: "Responding to Unanticipated Outcomes: First Conversations"
description: Physicians in every medical specialty, at every level of experience, face unanticipated outcomes to medical treatment.
image: https://files.norcal-group.com/hubfs/Screen%20Shot%202020-03-31%20at%2012.24.21%20PM.png
---

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# [***CLAIMS Rx*** DIRECTORY](https://www.norcal-group.com/claimsrx)

## RISK MANAGEMENT PUBLICATION

# Responding to Unanticipated Outcomes: First Conversations

November 2017

Physicians in every medical specialty, at every level of experience, face unanticipated outcomes to medical treatment. Managing the disclosure of an unanticipated outcome is one of the primary reasons why policyholders contact the NORCAL Risk Management Department. This article provides strategies for early conversations with the patient following an unanticipated outcome.

***This article includes healthcare ethics content, which may help meet CME credit ethics requirements in some states.***

| **SPECIAL FEATURE** NORCAL Nine Steps **CASE ONE** Disclosure without Admitting Fault | **CASE TWO ** Disclosure Using the Oregon Early Discussion and Resolution Program **CASE THREE ** The Blame Game |
| --- | --- |

 

**Related Topics:** [Ethics](https://www.norcal-group.com/claimsrx/tag/ethics), [Wellness](https://www.norcal-group.com/claimsrx/tag/wellness), [Disclosure](https://www.norcal-group.com/claimsrx/tag/disclosure)

unanticipated outcome,disclosure,norcal nine steps,CANDOR,apology,adverse outcome,medical error,empathy,apology laws

![November 2017](https://files.norcal-group.com/hubfs/Screen%20Shot%202020-03-31%20at%2012.24.21%20PM.png "November 2017")

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---

All *Claims Rx* Directory articles with expired CME Credit are available for download.

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