Physicians’ attitudes regarding the disclosure of medical errors: A qualitative study

Abstract

The experiences of physicians’ errors could affect their professional practice. The aim of study was to explore physicians’ experiences of medical errors and its consequences. This was a qualitative study in which ten Brazilian physicians were selected through purposive sampling. The data were collected via semistructured interviews and analyzed through principles derived of the phenomenological method. The interview topics were around how the error occurred in their practice, its process of disclosure and consequences of medical errors. Excessive workload and difficulty communicating among physicians are some of the factors that may increase the likelihood of medical error. Not looking for help after the error was a common attitude. This may be related to the difficulty for some physicians to acquire new practices after the error, even though physicians have shown that experiencing a medical error situation has a negative impact in their lives. To disclose training and institutional practices which contribute to the dissemination of conduct favorable to the improvement of medical practice.

Medication Errors and Type 2 Diabetes Management: A Qualitative Exploration of Physicians' Perceptions, Experiences and Expectations From Quetta City, Pakistan

“…Even though MEs were known to the physicians, majority of the respondents were unaware of the theoretical concept and philosophy. Similarly, a study conducted in Brazil reported that physicians considered MEs as a tool to confirm what theory talks about this topic ( 49 ). Similarly, where physicians are engaged in managing a lot of patients, they experience a paradox to conceptualize the concept of MEs.…”

Knowledge and Attitude of the Faculty Members and Residents of Guilan University Towards Medical Errors, Barriers, and Predisposing Factors

“…Askarian et al investigated the prevalence of non-reporting MEs in an academic tertiary in Shiraz. They interviewed 283 faculty members, nurses, and medical students regarding the main barriers reported that workload and poor communication among the medical team were the main predisposing factors [1]. Doshmangir et al reported that the medical team did not feel secure and environmental factors were the main predisposing factors of MEs occurrence [13].…”

“…espite recently increasing attention focused on patient safety, Medical Errors (MEs) frequently occur, but they are not documented or reported most of the time. Studies indicated that MEs are rarely reported [1]. Indeed MEs are a significant threat to patients' safety and a significant challenge that healthcare providers face worldwide [2].…”

“…In the current medical curriculum, the medical reporting process and its importance are not addressed, and unfortunately, the MEs disclosure process has not been practiced among health care institutions. The accurate rate of MEs remains unknown in Iran; it is estimated higher than in developed countries, particularly in the medication field [1,8].…”

Knowledge and Attitude of the Faculty Members and Residents of Guilan University Towards Medical Errors, Barriers, and Predisposing Factors

“…espite recently increasing attention focused on patient safety, Medical Errors (MEs) frequently occur, but they are not documented or reported most of the time. Studies indicated that MEs are rarely reported [1]. Indeed MEs are a significant threat to patients' safety and a significant challenge that healthcare providers face worldwide [2].…”