The Perception and Preference of Patients towards Disclosure of Medical Errors: A Report from Guilan Academic Hospitals

Abstract

Background: It is well known that disclosure of Medical Errors (MEs) is the duty of physicians and it is the right of patients to be aware of any error occurring in their medical care process. This study was planned to asses to what extent the patients expect to be informed of the occurrence of MEs, they prefer who reports the medical error to them, and what are the influential factors in taking legal action against physicians in disclosed MEs from their point of view. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, eligible patients admitted to academic hospitals of Guilan (Poorsina; Razi; Alzahra; Amir Al-Momenin; Dr. Heshmat), were interviewed directly and a questionnaire which was divided into four sections was filled out. The first part was about socio-demographic data of the responders and the next three sections included their preferences towards the type of MEs to be disclosed, who is responsible for this task, and in which conditions they sue against the medical team. Results: About 96.6% of the patients believed that MEs had to be disclosed to the patients. Moreover, 29.3% preferred to be informed about all MEs that occurred during their medical care even if it caused no harm. 51.1% expected that physician who committed the error informs the error. On the whole age, gender, employment status, residency and education were among the influential factors of the patients’ willingness and point of view and filing a lawsuit against physicians. Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that all minor and major MEs should be disclosed sympathetically by the physician who committed the error.