How Doctors Talk About Medical Errors
A Qualitative Study of Junior Doctors' Experiences
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 4625839 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Jane Ege Møller (0000-0003-2661-0256, Aarhus University, corresponding author), Linda Marie Kai (Aarhus University Hospital), Mads Skipper (0000-0003-3383-2762, Educational Region North, Viborg, Denmark), Maja Bertz Hansen (VIA University College, Aarhus, Denmark), Mark Hansen (0000-0001-9210-6387, VIA University College), Flemming Randsbæk (Aarhus University), Signe Schlichting Matthiesen (0000-0001-9150-4076, Aarhus University), Bente Vigh Malling (Aarhus University), Bente Malling (0000-0001-7331-7461, Aarhus University) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 35 |
| Issue | 10-11 |
| Pages | 1118-1130 |
| Publication date | 2025-09-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Qualitative Health Research (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1049-7323 • E-ISSN: 1552-7557 |
| Publisher | SAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1177/10497323241286037 |
| PMID | 39540634 |
| OpenAlex | W4404378693 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 46 |
During the last three decades, an increased amount of research on errors in health care has been conducted. Studies show that physicians find it challenging to handle errors because of the blame and guilt that errors cause. Communicating with colleagues has been identified as vital for coping with errors and for creating a just culture; however, many physicians do not usually discuss their errors. Knowledge about how junior doctors experience errors is vital to ensure that they both receive emotional support and learn from errors. To capture junior doctors' perceptions and experiences, we used a qualitative, exploratory design based on virtual focus groups. We conducted seven virtual focus groups with 22 junior doctors from 11 specialties. We defined three main themes: (1) how the junior doctors conceptualized medical errors, (2) how they experienced talk about errors among colleagues, and (3) the context in which this talk took place. The participants experienced errors as challenging elements in their working life; however, they struggled to define it. They described inconsistencies regarding the reasons for discussing errors within the learning environment, with some being experienced as constructive (providing education and support) and some as destructive (involving blame and shame). There was a discrepancy between the wish to normalize error and the lack of sharing between colleagues. Our study shows that error in health care is a complex phenomenon that challenges junior doctors' navigation in clinical practice. Despite efforts to implement an open and just culture, this has not yet been achieved
Blame · Constructive · Exploratory research · Focus group · Health care · Medical education · Perception · Qualitative research · Shame · Viewpoints · Clinical Psychology · Clinical Reasoning and Diagnostic Skills · Computer Science · Empathy and Medical Education · Innovations in Medical Education · Medicine · Nursing · Psychology · Social Psychology
Human Error
Forgive and Remember
Association of Perceived Medical Errors With Resident Distress and Empathy
Qualitative evaluation and research methods
Medical error
Is thematic analysis used well in health psychology? A critical review of published research, with recommendations for quality practice and reporting
Incidence of Adverse Events and Negligence in Hospitalized Patients
Residents, Responsibility, and Error
Shedding the cobra effect
Focus Groups in Social Research
The views and experiences of patients and health‐care professionals on the disclosure of adverse events
Using thematic analysis in psychology
Sample Size in Qualitative Interview Studies
Using Zoom Videoconferencing for Qualitative Data Collection
Focus Groups
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |