US: Three quarters of doctors discuss errors with a colleague

A survey of faculty and resident doctors has shown that 73% say they usually discuss their medical mistakes with a colleague.

A further 70% agreed that discussing medical errors encouraged stronger professional relationships, and 89% felt that they could turn to at least one colleague to be a supportive listener.

Respondents indicated that they would discuss an error with a colleague if:

• they wanted to ask if they would have made the same mistakes (91%)
• they wanted to warn their colleague against making the same mistake (80%)
• they wanted reassurance and support from their colleague (79%).

The remaining 27% who do not currently discuss medical mistakes with colleagues believe that doing so does not strengthen working relationships, or do not know of anyone suitable that they could talk to. Four per cent admitted that, in the past, they have not told the supervising physician about a mistake that led to prolonged treatment, and 13% wouldn't tell the supervisor if a mistake had led to temporary or minor harm to a patient.

All doctors surveyed were from paediatrics or family medicine specialties.