OBJECTIVE: This study aimed (1) to investigate the utilization of the reporting system for the medical errors among Korean hospitals. (2) to investigate the utilization of computerized reporting system for the medical errors among Korean hospitals.

METHODS: Among 283 Chairs of the nursing department surveyed, 99(34.98%) returned the completed self-report questionnaire. A questionnaire devised by researchers was used for a survey through mail. Data were analyzed using SPSS 10.0.

RESULTS: Seventy four hospitals(75.51%) had official reporting systems, and 46 hospitals(47.42%) had official reporting procedures of medical error. The responsible staffs reporting to the president include department head(91.14%), administrative officer(8.86%), and the involved person(s)(5.06%). Forty four hospitals(44.90%) did not guarantee anonymity in reporting or recording medical errors. Medical errors were reported mostly on the paper(75hospitals, 76.53%) or verbally, and only three hospitals(3.06%) used the computerized reporting system.

CONCLUSION: Systemic evaluation of the medical errors based on the prompt and voluntary report is an essential step to reduce systemic errors and improve patient safety. To guarantee anonymity and non-punitive treatment to the reporting, a computerized reporting system should be actively utilized in Korea.