Document Detail


Patients' perception of error during craniotomy for brain tumour and their attitudes towards pre-operative discussion of error: a qualitative study.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  22122712     Owner:  NLM     Status:  Publisher    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
Introduction. Medical error can result in significant morbidity and even mortality. Public and media attention remains focussed on its incidence and causes. Appreciation of patient perception of medical error in the neurosurgical setting is limited. This study investigated patients' perceptions of potential medical error during craniotomy for brain tumour and whether this influenced their decision to consent. Materials and methods. This study utilised qualitative research methodology. Thirty-five patients who had undergone craniotomy for brain tumour were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Interviews were transcribed and subjected to thematic analysis. Results. Analysis revealed seven overarching themes: (i) views on what constituted medical error were well formed; (ii) to err is human; (iii) protocols exist to prevent error; (iv) trust in one's surgeon is important; (v) patients' belief that they can influence the likelihood of error was variable; (vi) concern with treating the disease trumps worry over possible errors; and (vii) the usefulness of discussing potential error was variable. Conclusions. Patients had a good understanding of medical error and it's potential causes. The usefulness of pre-operative, pre-consent discussion of error was varied. It may empower clinicians and patients to talk about such issues, though this should avoid exacerbating a patient's anxiety.
Authors:
Damian Holliman; Mark Bernstein
Publication Detail:
Type:  JOURNAL ARTICLE     Date:  2011-11-28
Journal Detail:
Title:  British journal of neurosurgery     Volume:  -     ISSN:  1360-046X     ISO Abbreviation:  -     Publication Date:  2011 Nov 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2011-11-29     Completed Date:  -     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  8800054     Medline TA:  Br J Neurosurg     Country:  -    
Other Details:
Languages:  ENG     Pagination:  -     Citation Subset:  -    
Affiliation:
Division of Neurosurgery, University Health Network, Toronto Western Hospital, University of Toronto , Ontario , Canada.
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