To report or not to report: factors that influence physician error reporting behaviour

Abstract

A significant amount of evidence affirms that medical errors increase the risk of injury and death. In an ideal health care environment, physicians and health care organizations would accurately report all medical errors to mitigate reoccurrences and increase patient safety. However, the true incidence of physician error is largely unknown, in part, due to underreporting. This under-reporting results in a lack of important data, which may help us understand and correct error contributors and system design failures. In addition, these errors also pose a significant financial burden on hospital expenses and the healthcare system as a whole. The purpose of this major paper is to identify and describe, the types of physician error and their causes, the reporting mechanisms of error, and the predominant factors which can affect physician error reporting behaviour. The "Theory of Planned Behaviour" is used as a means of identifying and illustrating how certain factors can influence error reporting behaviour. Each factor associated with physician error reporting is explained in relation the theory's constructs. The literature search was conducted electronically using the Laurentian University Library to access various journals and platforms. The predominant factors that influence reporting are: that reporting system and process, psychological safety, manager and supervisor support, feedback for patient safety improvement, teamwork and peer support, as well as lack of time. By addressing the barriers and enablers of physician error reporting, patient safety would increase. We can ensure the same errors do not occur again by addressing the predominant factors that affect reporting. Despite efforts to increase reporting, further research and implementation of practices are needed to reduce the barriers that influence physician error reporting and increase the enablers.