Truth telling/ disclosure

In a safety culture, executive leaders stand shoulder to shoulder with family and caregivers. This means that families are involved in all aspects of the care process and are not left out when accidents occur. The concept of disclosing medical accidents to families is a departure from the comfort zone of many executives and providers, but the greater risk lies in not communicating. Patients and their families are members of the care team and valuable partners in and contributors to creating safety. Participation in care is enhanced by information, truth telling, and disclosure in the care process. 

When a chemical engineer notices behavior that is possibly or potentially unethical, the question is. What action should he or she take As noted in the AIChE code of ethics and in the NSPE code of ethics, there are specific avenues for action in the form of heuristics. For exanple, the AIChE code requires members to formally advise their employers or clients (and consider further disclosure, if warranted) if they perceive that a consequence of their duties will adversely affect the present or future health or safety of their colleagues or the public. The code also requires chemical engineers to offer objective criticism of the work of others. The code states that chemical engineers shall issue statements or present information only in an objective and truthful manner. It is clear that one has the responsibility to tell those who engage one s professional services when there is a problem or potential problem. It is clear that one should be truthful. What is not so clear is what a chemical engineer should do if, after such disclosure, the situation persists. 

---