title: [Definitions regarding medical errors].
abstract: Medical errors can be defined as value laden facts, in relation to guidelines or expectations, to the responsibility involved, to the obligations abated, to the pertinence of excuses afforded because of complexity, compliance and prudence or its aggravation through recklessness. Due care is related to prevention and corresponding attitudes. Professionalism, continuous education and quality control systems to detect errors without dispensing inexcusable faults, are the main tools to avoid medical errors.
authors.affiliation: Hospital Clínico, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Szanthó
mesh_terms: D002677:Chile; D006801:Humans; D019300:Medical Errors / Q000145:classification / Q000517:prevention & control