Moving Away from the Blame Culture: The Way Forward to Manage Medical Errors

• Published in: Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
• Main Author: Yusof A.N.M.; Razali H.Y.H.
• Format: Review
• Language: English
• Published: Penerbit Universiti Sains Malaysia 2024
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85215299425&doi=10.21315%2fmjms2024.31.6.10&partnerID=40&md5=371552d6aaa3abbcdc7a43f33ed2d825

When a medical error occurs, the instinct to blame healthcare professionals may seems like a way to ensure they learn from their mistakes. However, in today’s healthcare landscape, the blame culture, coupled with the fear of litigation, proves detrimental to improving patient care. This culture fosters a reluctance among healthcare professionals to openly disclose mistakes, depriving them of valuable learning opportunities. These professionals, often referred to as second victims, deserve as much attention and support as the patients who are affected by the errors. Given that medical errors are inevitable, it becomes imperative to effectively manage the aftermath to ensure all parties involved are adequately supported and shielded from adverse consequences. This article delves into the ethical complexities of medical errors, advocating for a shift from a blame-centric culture to one that prioritises support for second victims. The aim of this article is to underscore the crucial importance of addressing medical errors within the healthcare sector by fostering an environment that promotes learning and growth post-error. © Penerbit Universiti Sains Malaysia, 2024.