• [Medical error in pathology: Q...

*Result*: [Medical error in pathology: Qualitative study of the experience of 18 pathologists from the Hauts-de-France region].

Title:
[Medical error in pathology: Qualitative study of the experience of 18 pathologists from the Hauts-de-France region].
Transliterated Title:
L’erreur médicale en anatomopathologie : étude qualitative du vécu de 18 anatomopathologistes des Hauts-de-France.
Authors:
Barthomeuf C; Service d'anatomie et de cytologie pathologiques, centre hospitalier universitaire d'Amiens, université Picardie Jules-Verne, 2, place Victor-Pauchet, 80080 Amiens, France. Electronic address: Barthomeuf.clemence@chu-amiens.fr., Doosterlinck Q; Service d'anatomie et de cytologie pathologiques, centre hospitalier universitaire d'Amiens, université Picardie Jules-Verne, 2, place Victor-Pauchet, 80080 Amiens, France., Abitbol G; Service d'anatomie et de cytologie pathologiques, centre hospitalier universitaire d'Amiens, université Picardie Jules-Verne, 2, place Victor-Pauchet, 80080 Amiens, France., Chatelain D; Service d'anatomie et de cytologie pathologiques, centre hospitalier universitaire d'Amiens, université Picardie Jules-Verne, 2, place Victor-Pauchet, 80080 Amiens, France., Sevestre H; Service d'anatomie et de cytologie pathologiques, centre hospitalier universitaire d'Amiens, université Picardie Jules-Verne, 2, place Victor-Pauchet, 80080 Amiens, France.
Source:
Annales de pathologie [Ann Pathol] 2026 Jan; Vol. 46 (1), pp. 21-29. Date of Electronic Publication: 2025 May 12.
Publication Type:
English Abstract; Journal Article
Language:
French
Journal Info:
Publisher: Masson Country of Publication: France NLM ID: 8106337 Publication Model: Print-Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 0242-6498 (Print) Linking ISSN: 02426498 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Ann Pathol Subsets: MEDLINE
Imprint Name(s):
Original Publication: Paris ; New York : Masson, c1981-
MeSH Terms:
Pathologists*/psychology , Medical Errors*/psychology , Diagnostic Errors*/psychology , Attitude of Health Personnel*, Humans ; France ; Qualitative Research ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Middle Aged
Contributed Indexing:
Keywords: Adaptations pratiques; Erreurs médicales; Error prevention; Experience sharing; Impact psychologique; Medical errors; Partage d’expérience; Practical adaptations; Prévention des erreurs; Psychological impact; Second victim; Seconde victime
Entry Date(s):
Date Created: 20250513 Date Completed: 20251224 Latest Revision: 20251224
Update Code:
20260130
DOI:
10.1016/j.annpat.2025.04.001
PMID:
40360356
Database:
MEDLINE

*Further Information*

*Introduction: The study aimed to investigate the experience of pathologists facing medical errors.
Materials and Methods: A qualitative study conducted with 18 pathologists in the Hauts-de-France region. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using grounded theory method.
Results: Pathologists experienced three main stages after a diagnostic error: initial shock, re-mobilization, and enrichment. Most symptoms dissipated in the short term. Professional adjustments to prevent new errors were common. The term "second victim," referring to healthcare professionals affected by an error, was unfamiliar to participants. Most did not identify as "second victims," questioning the relevance of the term and emphasizing their responsibility in the error. To minimize errors, participants underlined the importance of communication, collaboration, and better working conditions. They called for ongoing training and improvement in managing medical errors, as well as increased recognition of the psychological impacts of such errors on healthcare professionals.
Discussion: The results align with existing literature on other healthcare professionals. Currently, the term "second victim" is being questioned by some physicians and patient associations.
Conclusion: The study sheds light on pathologists' experience with medical errors, emphasizing the importance of prevention, communication, and support for affected healthcare professionals. Further quantitative research is needed to confirm these findings.
(Copyright © 2025 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.. All rights reserved.)*

*Déclaration de liens d’intérêts Les auteurs déclarent ne pas avoir de liens d’intérêts.*