Mistakes: Case 1
An 18-month-old child presents to the clinic with a runny nose. Since she is otherwise well, the immunizations due at 18 months are administered. After she and her mother leave the clinic, you realize that the patient was in the clinic the week before and had also received immunizations then.
Should you tell the parents about your mistake?
The error is a trivial one. Aside from the discomfort of the unnecessary immunization, no harm has resulted. Nonetheless, an open and honest approach to errors is most appropriate. While the parents may be angry initially about the unnecessary injection, they will appreciate your candor. On the other hand, should they discover the error and believe you have been dishonest, their loss of trust will be significant.