A recent report from the Oregon Patient Safety Commission (OPSC) has brought to light a significant gap in healthcare transparency across the state, revealing that a large majority of patients who experience medical errors are not adequately informed about them. This critical finding, part of the first comprehensive review of post-pandemic patient safety data in Oregon, indicates a systemic issue that leaves many patients unaware of harm inflicted during their care and erodes trust in the healthcare system.
Scope of Medical Harm in Oregon
The OPSC’s extensive study found that nearly one-third of Oregonians, approximately 30%, have experienced some form of medical harm within the last five years. This harm could relate to their own treatment or that of someone close to them. Medical harm is a broad category encompassing various mistakes or improper practices by healthcare providers that can lead to further inaccurate treatment plans. The incidents occurred across different settings, with 52% taking place in hospitals, 31% in primary or specialty doctor’s offices, 7% in urgent care centers, and 6% in nursing homes.
The Pervasive Lack of Disclosure
Despite the prevalence of medical errors, the report highlights a stark failure by healthcare providers to inform affected patients. Data indicates that a substantial majority – around 55% – of individuals who experienced medical harm were not told about the error by their healthcare system or provider. This lack of transparency is particularly concerning given that more than 9 out of 10 Oregonians surveyed believe healthcare providers should be required to disclose any medical errors made during a patient’s care.
Patient Expectations vs. Provider Response
The findings underscore a significant disconnect between what patients desire after experiencing medical harm and what they actually receive. Oregonians who have suffered medical harm want to be informed promptly about what happened and desire an apology. However, the report reveals that only about one in three patients are given both. This situation becomes even more critical when medical errors result in serious health consequences; in such cases, patients are less likely to receive an apology. Furthermore, nearly 40% of patients indicated that a response should include information about measures being taken to prevent similar errors in the future. Despite these issues, the news also suggests that Oregonians generally remain confident in their individual and community-level healthcare providers.
Oregon’s Hospital Safety and National Context
Adding to the concerns, recent data from spring 2025 shows a troubling trend in Oregon’s hospital safety. Only approximately 21% of hospitals in the state met the highest safety grade, a notable decline since 2020, placing Oregon among the bottom third of states nationwide for hospital safety. On a national level, preventable medical errors affect an estimated 400,000 hospitalized patients annually, with roughly 200,000 resulting in preventable deaths. Medical errors are frequently cited as a leading cause of death in the United States, ranking behind only heart disease and cancer in some analyses.
The Oregon Patient Safety Commission’s Role and Initiatives
Established in 2003, the Oregon Patient Safety Commission (OPSC) serves as an advocate for patient safety, aiming to reduce harm across the state’s healthcare system. The commission actively promotes transparency and encourages shared learning through various programs. Among these is the Early Discussion and Resolution (EDR) program, designed to connect patients who have experienced harm with their healthcare providers for open dialogue, reconciliation, and to help prevent future incidents. The OPSC also operates a Patient Safety Reporting Program (PSRP), which collects and analyzes data on adverse events to disseminate lessons learned and best practices throughout Oregon’s healthcare facilities. While Oregon encourages voluntary disclosure and participation in these programs, it does not always mandate such practices outside of them.
Moving Forward: A Call for Transparency
The Oregon Patient Safety Commission’s latest report underscores a critical need for enhanced communication and accountability within the state’s healthcare sector. The significant number of Oregonians experiencing medical errors without being informed highlights a fundamental breach of trust. While the OPSC is actively working to foster a more transparent and patient-centered environment through initiatives like EDR, the report serves as a stark reminder of the work still required. Patients expect and deserve to be fully informed about their care, especially when errors occur. Addressing this disclosure gap is paramount to rebuilding and maintaining patient trust and improving the overall quality and safety of healthcare in Oregon. This is crucial news for patients, providers, and policymakers alike.
