Disclosure of errors and adverse events in surgery; a cross-sectional survey of attitude and experience of surgeons in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Adverse events (AE’s) and medical errors are frequent medical practice and they are responsible for a considerable rate of morbidity and mortality events. AEs and medical errors are more prone to occur in surgery specialty. Attention to patient safety is of growing concern and disclosure of medical errors to patients is very important and highly recommended. The present study aimed to assess the attitude and experience of surgeons on AEs and errors in surgery. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the surgeons practicing at different hospitals in Saudi Arabia. The study took part between the period of June to August 2019 using a self-administrated questionnaire. Results: This study included a total of 200 surgeons, among them, 15% agreed and 5% strongly agreed for disclosure of AEs. Furthermore, 40% agreed to disclose near misses, 30% agreed to disclose minor errors, and 5% agreed to disclose serious errors. Also, 65% of the subjects were found to involve in minor error, 15% in serious error and 5% in AEs. Conclusion: The study found that there was a negative attitude of surgeon toward disclosure of AEs and errors to patients and there was a moderate experience of AEs and errors.