To err is human, but in healthcare it undermines the basic principle of not causing harm. It is therefore essential not to cover up healthcare professionals’ errors but to analyse them so as to help other professionals and the healthcare system prevent their recurrence.

Prescrire, which has set up an error reporting and learning system for healthcare professionals called “Éviter l'Évitable” (Preventing the Preventable), points out the challenges and difficulties to report errors.

The impact of errors on healthcare professionals, their fears of outcomes and disclosures (fears for their reputation, prosecution, etc.) influence whether or not they report their error through an adverse events reporting system. Realising that an error has been made and speaking up about it opens up the way to taking positive steps to improve one’s professional practice within the healthcare system. The ability to reflect on one’s practice is an important component of the healthcare professional’s skills: it is a crucial resource for analysing errors and improving the quality of care.

Experience of the “Éviter l'Évitable” programme shows that reporting an error is a conscious professional step that is both clear-sighted and aware, and is part of the process of seeking to improve practice, skills and organisations.

Systematically analysing past errors in order to prevent recurrences is part of a culture dedicated to patient safety and healthcare quality .

 ©Prescrire 1 October 2010

"Reporting of errors by healthcare professionals" Prescrire Int 2010 ; 19 (109) : 230. (Pdf, subscribers only)