What is the primary reason to disclose a critical incident to a patient and their family?

Disclosing a critical incident to a patient and their family is primarily important because they may need the information to make informed decisions about their care. This transparency fosters open communication between healthcare providers and patients, which is essential in building trust and ensuring that patients are fully aware of their situation. When patients and families have a clear understanding of what has occurred, they can participate in discussions regarding their treatment options and any necessary changes to their care plans. This empowerment enhances patient safety and quality of care, as informed patients are better equipped to engage in their healthcare decisions.

While other aspects of the situation, such as the emotional well-being of healthcare workers or considerations regarding litigation, may be relevant in some contexts, they do not take precedence over the patient's right to know about incidents that directly affect their health and care decisions. Ethical considerations in healthcare prioritize patient autonomy and informed consent, hence making the sharing of critical incident information crucial.