Table 3 Individual problems inhibiting the reporting of clinical errors by the healthcare team from the physicians’ perspective

Individual problems

Educational problems

Lack of emphasis on ethics

1. Poor training on how to identify clinical errors and the type of action required upon the occurrence of such errors

2. Not accepting some clinical errors as uncontrollable events

3. Failure to adopt solutions suggested in dependable medical textbooks such as the holding regular self-expression meetings where one’s clinical errors are discussed and using the experience of others

Preference of a practical to a theoretical approach in conducting research

1. Due to the high workload, trainees have less time to study, and most of the academic training done is carried out during bedside visits, thus little research activity occurs in the process

Attitudinal problems

Unwillingness to disclose errors

1. Even in cases where the lack of equipment or failure of a device causes clinical errors, physicians fail to report them.

Reporting clinical errors is within the nurse’s duties

1. Most physicians consider recording and reporting clinical errors as being related solely to a nurse’s duties.

Financial interests

1. Physicians fear the risk of losing their clientele after reporting clinical errors.