Medical Errors and Medical Narcissism John Banja, PhD, Emory University, Georgia ISBN-13: 9780763783617 ISBN-10: 0763783617 $56.95 (Sugg. US List) Hardcover 229 Pages © 2005

Disclosing a harm-causing medical error can be one of the most anguishing conversations a healthcare professional can have. In addition to fears that disclosure might lead to a lawsuit, a harm-causing error can also assault the professional’s sense of competency and adequacy. Often, the necessary conversation between healthcare professional and patient or family is avoided or conducted very poorly.

Medical Errors and Medical Narcissism examines the concept of “medical narcissism” and how error disclosure to patients and families is often compromised by the health professional’s need to preserve his or her self-esteem at the cost of honoring the patient’s right to the unvarnished truth about what has happened. 

This groundbreaking book explores common psychological reactions of healthcare professionals to the commission of a serious harm-causing error and the variety of obstacles that can compromise ethically sound, truthful disclosure. Insights are offered on how talented, capable persons who feel a driving need to demonstrate their competence can fall into narcissistic traps. Guidance on disclosing errors artfully and ethically is provided through a series of step-by-step recommendations along with a list of particularly helpful words and phrases.

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