Table 1 Individual problems inhibiting the reporting of clinical errors by the healthcare team from the perspective of nurses

Individual problems

Problems associated with the individuals’ training

Lack of knowledge about types of error

1. Being unaware of what counts as an error.

2. The diversity of clinical errors

Failure to provide continuous and in depth training of staff

1. Accepting numerous novice medical trainees in the education system, and the need for on-going education

2. Forgetting some of clinical procedures used less frequently may result in unawareness of a clinical error

3. Failure to use different and modern training methods in order to motivate staff to actively participate in training programs

Failure to complete all courses at university

1. Lack of sufficient scientific information related to the use of potentially hazardous drugs or required dosages and inability to identify the occurrence of the error.

2. Being unaware about the benefits of reporting clinical errors

Flaws in hospital training

1.All members of the nursing staff are not equally present during training sessions

2. Staff are not aware of the effects of clinical reporting and follow-up on the enhancing of patient well- being and the enhancing of the quality of care service provided

Problems associated with the individuals’ attitude

Natural inclination to cover-up an error

1. It is in the interest of most people to maintain the appearance and image of their occupation

Complications resulting from reporting errors

1. Upon observing any drug interactions, the staff member must check the drug manufacturer’s leaflet to identify which ingredient of the drug causes the reaction which is in most cases beyond the competence of the medical team.

2. Residents and interns believe that the reporting of clinical errors is the sole responsibility of the ward officials

3. A clinical error might be repeated several times by the staff yet since no reporting is done, the clinical error becomes routine and looks trivial.

Fear of jeopardizing job security

1. Sometimes employee’s occupational errors or oversight are recorded as infraction in his or her job history, which may have repercussions for the person in the future.