Medical Errors

Introduction

Medical errors are mistakes that occur in the process of healthcare delivery and it can occur at any point in the healthcare system. A medical error is said to occur when mistakes made by medical personnel result in harm to patients. It can also be regarded as human error or instances of human fallibility within the healthcare system. Medical errors can range from misdiagnosis to wrong surgical procedures or even oversight of required steps in the treatment or care of a patient. Medical errors may occur in the operation theatre, in hospital wards or even in pharmacies. Medical errors are caused by a variety of factors. A medical error could result from a heath care worker using the wrong method of treatment or care or improperly handling an otherwise appropriate method.

Causes of Medical Errors

Medical errors could be caused by several factors but are mostly common with medical personnel that lack adequate level of experience or expertise. They could occur as a result of the health care delivery system being too complex. Sometimes fatigue among medical personnel plays a part. Sometimes medical personnel, even those with long standing experience, may get it wrong when a new procedure or complex new equipment is introduced. Patients that are of extreme age could also fall victim of medical errors. Medical exigencies such as procedures that are complex or care that is urgent may influence decision making and cause errors. Inadequacy in communication like illegible hand writing may also lead to medical errors. In addition, improperly designed health care systems may contribute to medical errors just as inadequacy in the number of medical personnel could lead to medical errors.

Impact of Medical Errors Globally

It is often difficult to establish accuracy of statistics of medical errors and their impact because they need to have caused a measurable damage to the patient before they can be admitted in evidence. However, statistics exist which show that the problem is rather severe worldwide. Estimates are that more than a hundred and forty thousand people died from the adverse consequences of medical errors worldwide in 2013. A report published in 2000 by the institute of medicine showed that almost 100,000 people died and about a million had undue injuries in the United States from damages as a result of medical errors.

How to Avoid Being a Victim

There is no fool proof plan to prevent one from being a victim of medical errors, but one sure way you can significantly reduce the odds is by proper communication with all of your doctors. You have a right to ask questions from doctors or other medical personnel concerning your treatment or the procedures that will be carried out on you.