One area where there is a substantial difference between the views of physicians and those of the public is on public reporting of medical errors. The vast majority (92%) of the public says medical error reporting should be required; just 6% says it should be voluntary.

In 2004, more than six in ten (63%) of the public said that serious medical errors should be released to the public, while in 2000, 14% of physicians said the same. Physicians were much more likely than the public to say that reports of medical errors should be used to prevent future mistakes, but be confidential (86% of physicians, 31% of the public).