Specialist physicians' attitudes and practice patterns regarding disclosure of pre-referral medical errors.
Prior studies demonstrate that disclosure of medical errors to patients is central to maintaining a therapeutic provider–patient relationship. However, little is known about physicians' beliefs regarding the disclosure of other clinicians' errors. Investigators interviewed 30 oncologists to understand their attitudes toward disclosure of medical errors occurring prior to the referral of a patient. Most believed that error disclosure did not benefit patients and disclosure practices varied significantly.