Erring and learning in clinical practice

TY - JOUR

T1 - Erring and learning in clinical practice

AU - Hurwitz, B

PY - 2002/10/1

Y1 - 2002/10/1

N2 - This paper discusses error types, their possible consequences and the doctors who make them. There is no single, all-encompassing typology of medical errors. They are frequently multifactorial in origin and arise from the mental processes of individuals; from defects in perception, thinking, reasoning, planning and interpretation and from failures of team-working, omissions and poorly executed actions. They also arise from inadequately designed and operated healthcare systems or procedures. The paper considers error-truth relatedness, the approach of UK courts to medical errors, the learning opportunities which flow from error recognition and the need for personal and professional self awareness of clinical fallibilities.

AB - This paper discusses error types, their possible consequences and the doctors who make them. There is no single, all-encompassing typology of medical errors. They are frequently multifactorial in origin and arise from the mental processes of individuals; from defects in perception, thinking, reasoning, planning and interpretation and from failures of team-working, omissions and poorly executed actions. They also arise from inadequately designed and operated healthcare systems or procedures. The paper considers error-truth relatedness, the approach of UK courts to medical errors, the learning opportunities which flow from error recognition and the need for personal and professional self awareness of clinical fallibilities.

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=0036790365&partnerID=8YFLogxK

M3 - Article

SN - 1478-5242

VL - 52

SP - S26 - S30

JO - British Journal of General Practice

JF - British Journal of General Practice

IS - SUPPL.

ER -