Cross sectional study about physicians’ disclosure of medical error to patient/family: The case of Saudi Arabia

Joint Event on 5^th World Congress on Neonatology and Pediatrics & World Congress on Nursing Research and Evidence Based Practice

February 25-26, 2019 | London, UK

Ohood Alrehailli

King Fahad Medical City, Saudi Arabia

ScientificTracks Abstracts: J Nursing Research and Practice

Abstract :

Background: Patient safety is a hot topic in healthcare, especially with the increasing incidence of medical errors.

Objectives: To identify major causes and nature of medical errors; to detect main issues and challenges in terms of disclosure of medical errors to the patient and/or their family members; and to form a background for development of more constructive strategies of disclosure of medical errors in the healthcare system of Saudi Arabia.

Methods: Cross sectional study conducted by using a self-administered questionnaire distributed among the Doctors and family of Saudi Aribia.

Results: Doctors are less likely to disclose their mistakes to patients and their families unless the medical error is fatal. The common barriers to disclosing medical errors include concern that the disclosure could trigger a harmful reaction by the patient/family, concern that the disclosure could result in a lawsuit, and lack of formal training in error disclosure. Also, doctors are less likely to admit the error when explaining the incident and are likely to apologize without admission of the same.

Conclusion: It is important to sensitize doctors that disclosing medical errors is beneficial for them and patients.

Biography :

Ohood Abdullah Alrehaili is working as a paediatrician at Children Specialized Hospital at King Fahad Medical City, Saudi Arabia. She completed Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery, MBBS from Taibah University, Saudi Arabia. In 2016 she completed the Mechanical Ventilation for Pediatrics Course, In 2017 she completed Central Line Insertion Under Ultrasound Guidance Course and Airway Management Course for Pediatric. She participated in many national conferences. Ohood Abdullah Alrehaili is the member of Hereditary Blood Disorder Association, Sanad Children Cancer Support Association, Zahra Breast Cancer Association.

E-mail: dr-ohoodh@hotmail.com