Korean physicians’ perceptions regarding disclosure of patient safety incidents: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Physicians are in the most critical position vis-à-vis disclosure of patient safety incidents (DPSI), and improper perceptions of DPSI among them could be a major barrier to proper execution of DPSI in clinical practice. The present study investigated physicians’ perceptions regarding the need for, effects of, and barriers to DPSI. Methods: An anonymous online questionnaire survey was conducted to investigate physicians’ perception regarding DPSI, in particular of when DPSI was needed in various situations and of methods for facilitating DPSI. Physicians’ perceptions were then compared to the general public’s perceptions regarding DPSI identified in a previous study, and a chi-squared test was performed to check for statistically significant differences. Results: A total of 910 physicians participated. Most participants (94.9%) agreed that any serious medical error should be disclosed to patients and their caregivers, whereas only 39.8% agreed that even near-miss errors, which did not cause harm to patients, should be disclosed. Among the six known effects of DPSI presented, participating physicians showed the highest level of agreement (89.6%) that “DPSI will lead physicians to pay more attention to patient safety in the future.” Among six barriers to DPSI, participants showed the most agreement (75.9%) that “It is unreasonable to demand DPSI in only the medical field, and disclosure is not actively conducted in other fields.” With respect to methods for facilitating DPSI, participants agreed that “A guideline for DPSI is needed” (91.2%) and “Manpower to support DPSI in hospitals is required” (89.1%). Meanwhile, 79.3% agreed that “If an apology law is enacted, physicians will perform more DPSI” and 72.4% that “I support the introduction of an apology law.” Conclusions: Korean physicians generally have a positive perception of DPSI, but less than the general public. The items used here allow comprehensive examination of physicians’ perceptions regarding DPSI across countries.