Physicians—by their nature—strive for perfection when caring for their patients. Often, they succeed. But, on occasion adverse events occur. Admitting these errors is something that few physicians feel comfortable doing, according to a study published in the March 2010 issue of The Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety.

The study authors, led by David J. Loren, M.D., assistant professor of medicine, Division of Pediatrics at the University of Washington, Seattle, anonymously surveyed nearly 3,000 risk managers and about 1,300 physicians.

In general, the risk managers were more favorable than their physician colleagues to admit that an error had occurred. Ironically, risk managers tended to be less favorable about issuing an apology to patients. The risk managers also said that they thought the reporting mechanisms in their hospitals were generally good, but, were in agreement with physicians that the systems need improvement.

The authors urged closer collaboration between risk managers and physicians, and advised hospitals to make clear policies about who has the authority to make disclosures of errors. According to Loren, disclosure is a complicated process, and noted that “our data offer additional insight into the complexities of these conversations and reflect the evolving roles of stakeholders beyond the physicians involved in the error.”

(Source: Press Release )    

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