Intention to disclose medical errors by healthcare providers to patients and associated factors in Ugandan health facilities: A cross-sectional study
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Date
2026-02-09
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
PLOS
Abstract
This study assessed the prevalence and factors associated with intention to disclose medical errors by healthcare providers to patients in public health facilities in Mukono District, Uganda. We conducted an analytic cross-sectional study among healthcare providers across four public health facilities in Mukono District, Uganda. The outcome, Intention to disclose medical errors to patients, was defined as self-reported likelihood of informing a patient or their caregiver about a medical error if it had occurred, including the circumstances of error occurrence and any corrective actions taken. Data were collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire capturing factors at the individual and institutional levels. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors independently associated with intention to disclose medical errors, with adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) reported. We studied 166 healthcare providers, of whom 90 (54.2%) were aged ≥35 years and 95 (57.2%) were female. Overall, 74 (44.6%) participants reported an intention to disclose medical errors. After adjusting for potential confounders, nurses (aOR 0.09, 95% CI 0.02-0.37) and other cadres (aOR 0.09, 95% CI 0.02-0.47) had significantly lower odds of intention to disclose medical errors compared with medical doctors/physicians. In contrast, healthcare providers working in health facilities with supportive supervision had higher odds of intention to disclose medical errors than those without supportive supervision (aOR 3.32, 95% CI 1.37-8.06). Fewer than half of healthcare providers have the intention to disclose medical errors to patients, indicating a substantial gap from the ethical expectation of full transparency. Supportive supervision was associated with an increased likelihood of intention to disclose medical errors, while non-physician cadres were less likely to report intention to disclose medical errors compared to medical doctors. Interventions that strengthen supervision and empower all cadres through training and institutional support may enhance openness and accountability in healthcare practice.
Description
This study explores the intentions of healthcare providers in Ugandan public health facilities to disclose medical errors to patients, shedding light on the vital roles of transparency and accountability in clinical care. By focusing on the human dimensions of patient trust and safety, the research underscores how open communication not only strengthens health systems but also uplifts the experiences of those seeking care. The findings contribute to advancing core Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) by fostering safer and more ethical care; SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) by promoting accountable and transparent institutions; SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by revealing disparities in disclosure practices; and SDG 4 (Quality Education) by highlighting the need for robust training in clinical ethics and communication. Aligned with the Uganda National Development Plan IV, these insights point to practical strategies for enhancing health service delivery, elevating professional standards, and nurturing public confidence in the health system—key steps toward equitable and improved health outcomes nationwide.
Keywords
Health care facilities, Health care providers, Allied health care professionals, Medical ethics, Nurses, Physicians, Public and occupational health, Uganda
Citation
Alupo, C., Izudi, J., & Ddamulira, C. (2026). Intention to disclose medical errors by healthcare providers to patients and associated factors in Ugandan health facilities: A cross-sectional study. PLOS Global Public Health, 6(2), e0005973.