Otolaryngologists ’ Responses to Errors and Adverse Events

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to describe otolaryngologists ’ emotional reactions to er-rors and adverse events, their efforts to take respon-sibility, and their attempts to implement improve-ments. Study Design and Methods: A retrospective, anonymous survey of 2,500U.S. otolaryngologistswho weremembers of the American Academy of Otolaryn-gology–Head and Neck Surgery about errors in their practice was conducted. Respondents were asked whether an error had occurred in their practice in the past 6 months and, if so, to describe the error, its consequences, and any corrective actions taken. Two aspects of these reports stood out, whichwere beyond the scope of the original study: the respondents ’ emo-tional responses and their corrective actions.Results: The response rate was 18.6%. Two hundred ten (45%) respondents reported a total of 212 analyzable error reports and 230 corrective actions. Corrective actions includeddisclosure to the patient (20 [9%]), ameliorat-ing the consequences of the event to the patient (107 [50%]), personal practice changes (14 [7%]), improve-ments in the respondent’s practice or department (60 [28%]), and hospitalwide or broader corrective ac-tions (19 [9%]). Emotional reactions to errors and ad-verse events were reported by 22 (10%) otolaryngolo-gists, including regret, embarrassment, guilt, anxiety, loss of temper, and irritation. Legal action was men-tioned by five physicians (2%). Conclusions:Otolaryn-gologists took actions not only to treat their patients, but also to improve patient care in their practice, department, hospital, or community. Emotional reac-tions to errors and adverse events are common and need to be addressed in medical training and prac-tice. Key Words: Emotional reactions, errors, adverse events, patient safety. Laryngoscope, 116:1114–1120, 200