Medical Error Reporting Attitudes of Healthcare Personnel, Barriers and Solutions: A Literature Review

Introduction: Medical error reporting has been recognized as the cornerstone of patient safety practices; however, healthcare personnel often do not report errors. In order to increase the frequency of error reporting, it is important to understand both the healthcare workers' attitudes towards reporting, as well as what they perceive as barriers. Aim: The aim of this literature review was to identify the medical error reporting attitudes of healthcare personnel worldwide, as well as the barriers they encounter and their suggestions to increase reporting. Methods: The national and international databases were scanned to identify the studies performed on medical error attitudes and barriers. A total of 28 studies that fit the criteria were evaluated. Results: According to the studies that were analyzed, the most commonly encountered reporting barrier was the fear of individual and legal accusations among healthcare personnel. The personnel most frequently suggested using anonymous reporting systems, modifying the "accusation" culture and encouraging timely reporting in order to eliminate the reporting barriers. Conclusion: This review provides up-to-date information on medical error reporting barriers, solution suggestions directed towards these barriers, and suggestions from healthcare personnel for an effective reporting system. It will guide healthcare providers, quality and risk management unit employees, administrators, and institutions that are trying to develop an effective reporting system toward quality patient care.