TY - JOUR T1 - Erring and learning in clinical practice. JF - British Journal of General Practice JO - Br J Gen Pract SP - S26 LP - S30 VL - 52 IS - Suppl AU - Brian Hurwitz Y1 - 2002/10/01 UR - http://bjgp.org/content/52/supplement/S26.abstract N2 - 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. ER -