Responses and Concerns of Healthcare Providers to Medication Errors

Abstract

This descriptive, correlational study examined the responses and concerns of healthcare professionals about making medication errors and estimated patient harm from such errors. A systematic random sample of nurses, pharmacists, and physicians (N = 402) completed a self-report survey about a medication error they judged to be serious. Respondents were guilty, nervous, and worried about the error. They feared for the safety of the patient, disciplinary action, and punishment. A few subjects indicated that they never reported the errors. The most frequent symptoms associated with errors were neurologically based. The injury suffered by patients was not severe overall according to the harm scales. Weak correlations were found for the harm scales and responses and concerns. The authors suggest a supportive environment for the provider following an error and continuous quality improvement efforts to eliminate system-based errors.

Supporting involved health care professionals (second victims) following an adverse health event: A literature review

“…A trusting relationship between the involved health care provider and the individual that is providing support is important (Schelbred et al, 2007;Scott et al, 2009). Family members, friends and colleagues seem to provide more support than managers and physicians (Wolf et al, 2000). Most of the nurses felt they need to be supported and do this by discussing their errors with colleagues and nurses in the ward (Meurier et al, 1997).…”

Emotional Impact of Patient Safety Incidents on Family Physicians and Their Office Staff

“…[2][3][4] Much work has been done studying the effect of incidents on patients, 5,6 but examining the effect on caregivers, also referred to as "the second victim," [2][3][4] is in its infancy. Previous studies have focused on the acute care system and medical residents [7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16] or a compilation of acute and primary care. [17][18][19][20] Only 2 studies have explored the emotional impact of incidents on primary care providers alone.…”

“…The most common emotions include guilt, 13,15,16,20,22 anxiety, 13,15,19,20 anger, 14,15,22 shame, 16,21 and embarrassment. 13,15 Because health professionals believe that they should not make mistakes, 16,20 these emotions can imprint permanent or long-lasting consequences, [14][15][16] including loss of self confidence, 14 -16,19,21 sleeplessness, 14,15,19,20 selfblame, 16,21 reduced job satisfaction, 14,19 anxiety about a harmed reputation, 15,16,19,20 and fear of a lawsuit or disciplinary action. [13][14][15]20 Being involved in an incident can be related to future suboptimal patient care 23 and consequential errors.…”

“…13,15 Because health professionals believe that they should not make mistakes, 16,20 these emotions can imprint permanent or long-lasting consequences, [14][15][16] including loss of self confidence, 14 -16,19,21 sleeplessness, 14,15,19,20 selfblame, 16,21 reduced job satisfaction, 14,19 anxiety about a harmed reputation, 15,16,19,20 and fear of a lawsuit or disciplinary action. [13][14][15]20 Being involved in an incident can be related to future suboptimal patient care 23 and consequential errors. 19,23 As well as understanding the emotional impact of an incident on providers, it is also important to understand how providers cope with their emotions.…”

“…15,18,21 When they do seek solace it is most likely to be with a significant other 14,15,18,20,21 or a trusted colleague. 13,15,18,20 Most often, though, there is a failure to receive support from colleagues, 15,21,24 and this causes an inability to move forward 14 and promotes limited self-and organizational learning. 24 The most difficult challenge providers face is forgiving themselves.…”