PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - Brian Hurwitz TI - Erring and learning in clinical practice. DP - 2002 Oct 01 TA - British Journal of General Practice PG - S26--S30 VI - 52 IP - Suppl 4099 - http://bjgp.org/content/52/supplement/S26.short 4100 - http://bjgp.org/content/52/supplement/S26.full SO - Br J Gen Pract2002 Oct 01; 52 AB - This paper discusses error type their possible consequences and the doctors who make them. There is no single, all-encompassing typology of medical errors. They are frequently multifactorial in origin and use from the mental processes of individuals; from defects in perception, thinking reasoning planning and interpretation and from failures of team-working omissions and poorly executed actions. They also arise from inadequately designed and operated healthcare systems or procedures. The paper considers error-truth relatedness, the approach of UK courts to medical errors, the learning opportunities which flow from error recognition and the need for personal and professional self awareness of clinical fallibilities.