ASSESSMENT OF HEALTH PROFESSIONALS’ PERCEPTIONS OF MEDICAL ERRORS IN PRIMARY CARE SETTINGS: A CROSS- SECTIONAL STUDY FROM ABHA, SAUDI ARABIA

Abstract

Understanding perceptions and practices of medical errors in primary healthcare facilities is essential for enhancing patients’ safety and fostering a culture of transparency.  A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted regarding frontline healthcare professionals’ perceptions of the identification, reporting and outcome of medical errors within diverse clinical settings.  The survey was carried out in Abha health sector, Asir region, Saudi Arabia.  Respondents (n = 223) were mainly physicians, nurses and clinical laboratory technicians.  Significant associations were observed between biological gender and profession, as well as perceptions of medical errors (p-value <0.05).  Female responders were mainly nurses, while male responders were physicians and technicians.  Males perceived medical errors as being underreported and reporting procedures unclear and time-consuming, while females perceived a lower frequency of medical errors and less uncertainty about the reporting procedures.  Stratification of perceptions of medical errors according to years of work experience revealed, interestingly, no significant differences, but stratification according to sociodemographic parameters showed low perception rating among female respondents and respondents working in rural regions.  The findings highlighted the importance of designing target-based interventions in reducing medical errors and impediments to the reporting process.