Nearly every institution has a system in place for responding to adverse events. You should always notify your supervisor/attending of any potential adverse event, even a near miss. After that, in many cases, the first call goes to patient safety or risk management personnel working in the health care organization. A widely publicized and easily accessible number, available 24/7, can help clinicians reach help after an adverse event. In many instances, the responder is also trained in disclosure, and can provide “just in time” coaching to the clinician about next steps, and how to communicate with the patient and/or family after an adverse event.
At BIDMC, page Patient Safety at #3-HELP (34357) on weekday hours (M-F, 8-5). At other times, the Administrative Clinical Supervisor at #9-2465.
You do not need to discern whether the case is appropriate for CARe before calling for help. The Department of Patient Safety (or Risk Management) has many resources to offer to help with your initial communication to the patient about the error, support groups, and other resources that can be of use in any adverse event situation.