Obstacles to error reporting encountered by physicians and nurses

Objective: This study aims to identify the obstacles that are encountered by physicians and nurses in the process of reporting errors. Method: This study was performed through a phenomenological approach and was implemented in a training-and-research hospital. The sample group for the study included in physicians and nurses working in the hospital and was determined through convenience sampling, as was considered to be an appropriate sampling method. The survey data was collected through use of the introductory information form of socio-demographic characteristics created by the researcher, by conducting semi-structured interviews, and by in-dept individual interview method physicians and nurses individually. The interview phase was deemed complete once adequate data, based on 23 interviews from a sample group comprised of 15 nurses and eight physicians, was obtained. All interviews were recorded with a tape recorder with the permission of negotiators, and the data thus obtained was evaluated through the content analysis method. In order to ensure the validity and reliability of the study, the data was examined by two competent persons. The data was reorganized by experts and researchers. All of the data was interpreted according to topics, after which a report was prepared. Findings: It has been observed in this study that physicians and nurses hesitate to report a medical error when they experience it or witness it, and that they prefer not to report it. According to the examination of obstacles to error reporting, four main topics emerged: "fear," "attitude of administration," "systemic obstacles" and "error perception of workforce." Outcome: In conclusion, the study serves to indicate the significance of the obstacles to error reporting among physicians and nurses as well as to identify those obstacles in order to prevent medical errors. So that these errors can be prevented, the study's recommendations include support for the workforce's information about medical errors and patient safety, the use of an effective notification system and the creation of a culture of notification in institutions. Keywords: Physician, nurse, medical error, error reporting, patient safety, obstacles to error reporting