Open disclosure
Open disclosure is the right thing to do when something goes wrong – for the patient, for the healthcare professionals involved, for the organisation and for the wider health system.
What is open disclosure?
Open disclosure is a principles-based approach to communicating openly and honestly with patients when things go wrong in health care.
It is grounded in person-centred values, recognising and respecting each individual’s needs, values, and preferences.
The principles of person-centred open disclosure are:
- respectful and transparent communication
- compassionate acknowledgement and apology
- restorative process, and
- fostering cultural safety for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Health service organisations are required to implement open disclosure as part of our Clinical Governance Standard.
The Australian Open Disclosure Framework
The Australian Open Disclosure Framework 2026 (the Framework) provides a nationally consistent basis for effective communication following unexpected healthcare outcomes and harm.
The Framework is designed to enable all healthcare professionals working within Australian health service organisations to communicate openly with patients when health care does not go to plan.
The revised Framework released in June 2026 reflects contemporary clinical practice, strengthens its focus on person-centred care, and now applies across all healthcare settings.
View the Australian Open Disclosure Framework
Our fact sheet offers guidance to healthcare professionals on when and how to conduct open disclosure. It is a practical resource to apply the key components of open disclosure.
The importance of open disclosure
Dr Phoebe Holdenson Kimura, Medical Advisor, and Natalie, Consumer Representative, highlight the importance of open disclosure conversations outlined in the Australian Open Disclosure Framework 2026.
Australian Open Disclosure Framework – Medical Advisor Insights
Video
Australian Open Disclosure Framework – Consumer Insights
Video
Key endorsing organisations
The Australian Open Disclosure Framework has been endorsed by the following organisations:
- Australasian College of Emergency Medicine
- Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists
- College of Intensive Care Medicine of Australia and New Zealand
- Consumers Health Forum of Australia
- Day Hospitals Australia
- Federation of Ethnic Communities Councils of Australia
- National Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability Health
- Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators
- Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
- Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
- The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists
It is supported by the:
- Royal Australian College of General Practitioners
- The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists