Explicit discussion of uncertainty and error in the preclinical domain should be followed by ongoing openness to these discussions in the patient care domain. Otherwise, the ‘hidden curriculum’ will...

Explicit discussion of uncertainty and error in the preclinical domain should be followed by ongoing openness to these discussions in the patient care domain. Otherwise, the ‘hidden curriculum’ will quickly reverse students’ perceptions of what topics are acceptable for discussion. Consider whether your institution currently has a climate that encourages or discourages dialogue about uncertainty and error. If these subjects are met with resistance, how might you embark on institutional culture change? If your institutional culture only accepts these discussions when focussed on ‘systems errors,’ reflect on what might be the first steps to expand that culture to include individual clinicians’ experiences with uncertainty and cognitive error.