Should Surgeons Share Experiences of Regret With Patients?

Abstract

Regret is ubiquitous in surgical practice and emphasizes the nature and breadth of surgeons' responsibilities to patients and colleagues. Expressing regret to patients requires transparent and honest communication but can leave surgeons vulnerable. This article recommends strategies for communicating regret to patients and suggests how organizations and colleagues can help surgeons trying to cope with regret experiences continue their professional growth.