Table 2 Perception of error disclosure, relative frequency and percentage of replies returned

Do you think that admitting a mistake to the patient is:

wrong

1 (2,1%)

13 (27.1%)

34 (70.8%)

an ethical and deontological duty

42 (87.5%)

0 (0.0%)

6 (15.5%)

the patient’s right

26 (54.2%)

1 (2.1%)

21 (43.8%)

necessary every time a mistake happens

18 (37.5%)

5 (10.4%)

25 (52.1%))

only necessary in cases of serious injury

4 (8.3%)

15 (31.2%)

33 (68.8%)

only necessary in cases of mild injury

1 (2.1%)

13 (27.1%)

34 (70.8%)

only necessary in cases where the patient is not harmed

2 (4.2%)

12 (25.0%)

34 (70.8%)

only necessary when the patient asks for an explanation

2 (4.2%)

12 (25.0%)

34 (70.8%)

helpful in avoiding medical lawsuits?

14 (29.2%)

4 (8.3%)

30 (62.5%)

Do you think that admitting a mistake to the patient:

strengthens the patient’s trust in the doctor

31 (64.6%)

6 (12.5%)

11 (22.9%)

reduces the risk of medical lawsuits

23 (47.9%)

6 (12.5%)

19 (39.6%)

reduces the probability of the same error being repeated

23 (47.9%)

4 (8.3%)

21 (43.8%)

reduces the patient’s apprehensions about the likely outcome

12 (25.0%)

8 (16.7%)

28 (58.3%)

reduces the probability that the patient will change doctors and/or hospital?

14 (29.2%)

7 (14.6%)

27 (56.2%)