[A pilot study for handling errors in psychotherapy - therapists report from practical experience]

Abstract

Objective: To assess the views of psychotherapists regarding management of treatment errors by reviewing and analyzing interviews with therapists.

Methods: A literature search was used to identify topics for the interview guide. Semi-structured interviews with 30 psychotherapists were conducted and analyzed according to qualitative content analysis, a framework approach.

Results: Psychotherapists report an open approach to handling treatment errors: the majority claim that they would discuss errors with their patients. Experiences with error disclosure were on the whole rather positive. Errors of colleagues would be discussed in a supervisory way or, in more serious cases, be reported.

Conclusion: In psychotherapy, a constructive and open handling of errors seems to prevail. Therapists tend to be cautious when judging errors of colleagues.