Do faculty and resident physicians discuss their medical errors?

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Patient Safety
• Physician Communication

Background:

• Medical error discussions aid physician learning and emotional support.
• Physician attitudes and practices regarding error discussions are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate physician attitudes and practices concerning medical error discussions.
• To explore the likelihood of discussing hypothetical errors and role-modeling experiences.

Main Methods:

• A survey was distributed to generalist faculty and resident physicians across multiple US regions.
• Investigated attitudes, practices, likelihood of discussing errors, role-modeling, and demographics.

Main Results:

• 73% of physicians usually discuss mistakes; 70% believe it strengthens relationships.
• Motivations include learning, peer education, and support; most would discuss errors regardless of harm level.
• 57% have role-modeled error discussions, more likely if they had observed one previously.

Conclusions:

• Most generalist physicians discuss errors with colleagues and over half have role-modeled such discussions.
• A notable minority do not typically discuss errors or lack supportive colleagues.