Awareness regarding surgical errors, its occurrence and their coping strategies among the surgeons of BPKIHS

Surgical errors are a significant concern in medical practice, particularly in teaching institutions where trainees are frequently involved in patient care. These errors, which include deviations from standard surgical procedures, can lead to adverse patient outcomes in one hand whereas emotional distress among surgeons on the other hand as well. Understanding the prevalence, types, and coping mechanisms for surgical errors is essential for developing effective strategies to minimize their occurrence and impact.

This cross-sectional study involved 134 surgeons from various specialties at B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS), with 50.7% being resident doctors. A total of 79.1% admitted to committing surgical errors during their careers at some points of time. All errors, self-accepted by surgeons enrolled in the study were minor ones. Frequently reported errors included inappropriate incision (77.5%), anesthesia titration errors (75.7%), and unintentional organ/tissue injury (69.2%). Female surgeons were more likely to self-report errors than male surgeons. All errors had occurred during the early phase of surgical training. Surgeons attributed errors to systemic and personal factors, including insufficient staffing, fatigue, and poor communication. Common coping strategies included escape and self-instruction, though not all were effective in mitigating stress.

The high incidence of minor errors seems to be acceptable part of learning in teaching institute where trainees are frequently involved in patient care. None of the error was major because in teaching institute like ours, the trainees are at frontline in patient care but are always under supervision of senior clinicians. All errors have occurred during the early phase of surgical training. There is need of targeted interventions, including training, support systems, and institutional reforms to reduce surgical errors and improve surgeon well-being.