Defining diagnostic disclosure in the acute care setting: A concept analysis

The definitions provided advance our understanding of diagnostic disclosure with implications for practice and future research. A clearly defined concept sets the foundation to measure, predict, and investigate diagnostic disclosure further. This analysis identifies diagnostic disclosure as critical to patient-centered care, with potential to improve communication, enhance self-care, and prevent rehospitalization. Future efforts should focus on testing the operational definition, evaluating effects on patient outcomes, and surveying patients, caregivers, and clinicians to inform clinical integration.