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.