Disclosing Medical Errors

By Meredith Barnes, Ivanhoe Health Correspondent

SEATTLE (Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Disclosure of medical errors are not adequately addressing patients' need for information or the needs of emotional support for patients and doctors, according to a new study.

Researchers from the University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, say many factors may inhibit physicians from fully disclosing medical errors to patients, including the fear that disclosure could lead to a malpractice suit, damage the physician's reputation, and be uncomfortable or awkward. Researchers gathered information from 13 focus groups of patients and physicians to determine attitudes about medical error disclosure.

Researchers found, through discussions about a hypothetical medical error, both patients and physicians had unmet needs following errors. Researchers say: "Patients wanted disclosure of all harmful errors and sought information about what happened, why the error happened, how the error's consequences will be mitigated, and how recurrences will be prevented. Physicians agreed that harmful errors should be disclosed but 'choose their words carefully' when telling patients about errors." Patients also wanted emotional support from physicians following errors and an apology. However, researchers note physicians are concerned that an apology could create legal liability.

Researchers conclude, "Our study ... suggests that the current response to medical errors may meet neither patients' desire for information about errors nor the needs of patients and physicians for emotional support following an error. Physicians should strive to meet patients' desire for an apology and for information on the nature, cause, and prevention of errors. Institutions should also address the emotional needs of practitioners who are involved in medical errors."

In an interview with Ivanhoe, Thomas G. Gallagher, M.D., from the University of Washington School of Medicine, says, "What was a little surprising to us was that errors were so upsetting to the doctors ... Doctors had emotional needs going unmatched after a medical error." He adds, "It is difficult for them to talk to colleagues about their emotions and they don't know who to talk to abut their emotions."

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