Dimensions of medical errors – The three victims and defensive medicine

Background Despite recent advances in medical sciences, the utilisation of technology, and the spread of awareness on patient safety, medical errors still occur and impose a significant burden on healthcare facilities and society. Safety incidents have an impact on the doctor–patient relationship, leading to a defensive medical practice. Objective This narrative review aims to present an overview of the dimensions of medical errors and their consequences, with a focus on the second victim phenomenon and defensive medicine. Methods Search of the PubMed-indexed relevant publications in the English language. The full texts of the relevant publications have been summarised. Results This review explored the dimensions of medical errors and their consequences. The second victim phenomenon describes the physical symptoms and emotional experience of the healthcare practitioners involved in safety incidents. There is a limited number of structured support programs to help the second victims. Unfair media coverage of medical errors adds pressure and directs the blame rather than contributing to solving the problem. Defensive medicine originated due to the increasing litigation claims and represents a fundamental change in the doctor–patient relationship. It takes two forms: positive and negative defensive medicine. Conclusions This multidimensional presentation of the topic may be helpful to readers involved in such incidents or working to mitigate their consequences. Patients should understand they are not the only victims of the harm imposed on them. The staff involved should seek help, and healthcare facilities should offer support programs for staff involved in safety incidents. The general audience should receive the published material about medical errors in a reasonably neutral manner and avoid one-sided presentations in the media.