title: Attitudes about patient safety: a survey of physicians-in-training.
abstract: Little is known about the attitudes of physicians-in-training on patient safety, although success in error reduction strategies requires their support. We surveyed house staff and fourth-year medical students from 1 academic institution about their perceptions of adverse patient events. Three hundred twenty-one trainees (41%) completed the survey. Most believe adverse events are preventable (61%) and think improved teamwork (88%), better procedural training (74%), and improved sign-out (70%) would reduce medical mishaps. Forty-seven percent of trainees agree computerized order entry and restricted work hours would prevent adverse events. Although 60% feel malpractice fears inhibit discussion, 80% of trainees agreed physicians must disclose adverse events to patients and grow more comfortable with disclosure as training progresses (P for trend<.01). In conclusion, trainees believe adverse events are preventable and are poised to respond to many components of the patient safety movement.
authors.affiliation: Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107, USA.
authors.forename: Rachel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sorokin
authors.forename: Jeff M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Riggio
authors.forename: Constance
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hwang
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D008297:Male; D008511:Medicine; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D017751:Safety Management; D013038:Specialization; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014342:Truth Disclosure