Medical Error Disclosure: Medicolegal and Ethical Concerns among Cardiologists

Background: Medical errors (MEs) represent deviations from established standards of care, potentially resulting in patient harm. ME disclosure is an ethical and legal obligation that preserves patient rights and dignity. However, cardiologists frequently encounter distinct challenges in this context. Aim of the study: The study aimed to improve the quality of care and establish a safer healthcare environment, ultimately resulting in improved patient health outcomes. Participants and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study involved 70 Egyptian cardiologists through a self-administered online questionnaire. This questionnaire assessed demographic and professional characteristics, self-reported experiences regarding MEs and their disclosure, as well as knowledge and attitudes related to the factors affecting the decision to disclose MEs. Results: The sample comprised 80% males, with a mean age of 34.9 years. Only 37.1% of participants received educational or training programs on MEs disclosure. Approximately 67% reported having committed MEs. Among them, 72.3% communicated the medical error to the patient, 51.1% reported it to the institution, and 53.2% faced malpractice claims. Approximately 67% of the participating cardiologists exhibited either no or poor overall knowledge. Approximately 91% of participants exhibited a neutral attitude regarding ME disclosure. A majority of participants (75.7%) indicated a willingness to disclose medical errors in contexts involving potential malpractice lawsuits. Over half of the participants (52.8%) indicated that the Egyptian Law regarding medicolegal liability would likely influence their decision to disclose MEs, either very likely or likely. Conclusion and recommendation: Although the participating cardiologists exhibited favorable practices regarding ME disclosure and reporting, the majority demonstrated limited knowledge and maintained a neutral attitude toward ME disclosure. This study highlighted concerns regarding legal consequences, inadequate training, and the absence of supportive forums or policies for reporting MEs to institutions. Improving educational initiatives and supportive reporting systems may improve ME.