Open disclosure (OD) is the open discussion of adverse events that resulted in harm to a patient whilst receiving care, and it is conducted with the patient, their families, and carers. Key elements of OD should be an apology or expression of regret, and it should include the words ‘I am sorry’ or ‘we are sorry’, a factual explanation of what happened, and finally, an opportunity for the patient, their family, and carers to relate their experience of what occurred during the incident.