According to a recent Johns Hopkins study, medical errors have surpassed diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and strokes to become the third cause of death in the United States. Similarly, a different Johns Hopkins study found that more than 250,000 individuals die annually due to medical errors.
Along with these statistics, one in seven Medicare beneficiaries seeking treatment in a hospital experience medical errors. These figures may be frightening for patients who entrust their very lives daily to medical experts.
Even in the best institutions, medical errors can happen. This does not, however, imply that you should put off receiving any required medical care. However, it is important that you understand the types of medical errors, their most common causes, and what to do if it occurs to you or a loved one.
In this guide, we delve right into all the details. Let’s get right to it.
Common Causes of Medical Errors
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality lists the following as typical fundamental causes of medical errors:
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Communication Problems
In every hospital environment, communication is essential, especially across various service areas. The most frequent reasons for medical mishaps are communication problems.
When critical information is not transferred with the patient when released from one facility to another or from one part of an organization to another, a communication breakdown occurs. The following issues could result from this:
- Incorrect prescription decisions
- Unsuitable dissemination of test results
- Ineffective coordination of medicine orders for care transition.
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Patient-Related Issues
These arise from the improper or ineffective application of standards of care, rules, protocols, or procedures. It also includes subpar specimen labeling and documentation, incorrect patient identification and assessment, and inadequate patient education.
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Inadequate Staffing and Staff Expertise
The incorrect or ineffective application of standards of care, regulations, protocols, or procedures is often caused by the overstretching of limited staff. Additionally, lack of staff training causes wrong specimen labeling and poor recordkeeping.
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Technical Failures
Complications with medical devices, implants, grafts, or other equipment are examples of technical failures. This is a fault of the product manufacturers and is only usually detected after use.
Top 5 Medical Errors in the US
While several medical errors sprout from medical practice in different parts of the country, here are the 5 most popular medical errors.
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Misdiagnosis
One of the most frequent medical errors is misdiagnosis. An erroneous diagnosis may lead to unnecessary medical intervention that is often detrimental to the patient’s health.
Misdiagnosis frequently causes a delay in receiving the proper care, aggravating the illness and lengthening the initial condition.
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Infections
Don’t be fooled by the scent of latex gloves and hand sanitizer; infection risk exists in every hospital. These infections affect 1.7 million people annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
A number of these diseases are lethal because the bacteria involved are resistant to antibiotics. The elderly, infants and other individuals with compromised immune systems are especially vulnerable to contracting infections from hospitals.
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Medication Errors
One of the most frequent mistakes that can happen during treatment is a medication error. Some doctors mistakenly give their patients the incorrect prescription dosage, mislabel the medication bottle, or neglect to inform the patient of the medication’s possible side effects.
To prevent giving a patient the wrong medication, pharmacists and caregivers are responsible for evaluating a patient’s medical history before prescribing and administering any medication.
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Falls
According to the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, 500,000 patients pass out each year while they are in a hospital. Medication-induced coma patients have the danger of slipping on damp surfaces, which can lead to injury.
Also, there have been several falls resulting from malfunctioning implants, which often malfunction for no apparent reason.
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Being Sent Home Too Early
Some doctors make the error of sending their patients home too soon, which can be fatal and detrimental to their recuperation. The patient’s discharge papers must be understood by the patient, and any necessary follow-up appointments must be scheduled by the doctor.
The doctor must also explain the discharge information to the patient’s caretaker if they are present. Readmission rates are lower in hospitals that provide patients with clear release instructions.
Remember that the right Legal Professionals Can Help with Common Medical Errors
It is always important to account for the most common medical errors. Our legal professionals understand that a delayed diagnosis, the wrong dose, and other medical mistakes can create a world of pain for patients.
At the same time, due to incentives, the health care system may not readily admit to an incorrect diagnosis or common medical mistakes. If you think that you were involved in a situation with preventable medical errors, our legal professionals can certainly help.
We are strong believers in the fact that medical professionals must account for each medical mistake so that issues like hospital-acquired infections, the wrong medication, and other serious consequences are less of a factor.
Are You Or A Loved One Suffering From Medical Error?
Common medical errors can have grave consequences. The healthcare system must continue to improve in everything from maintaining electronic health records to having effective communication to minimize medication errors. Health care providers are a critical part of high quality of life, and our role is to minimize serious harm from interactions with health care professionals.
Although there are several medical errors, this doesn’t imply you should put off any required surgery or hospital visits. You can hold negligent hospital employees liable if you or a loved one suffers from medical negligence. To do this, you will require the assistance of an experienced malpractice lawyer.
At J.P. WARD & ASSOCIATES, LLC, we have got the right lawyers to help you go over the technicalities of the medical error and discuss your possibilities for obtaining the necessary compensation.
We are only a phone call away and can help you get the justice and compensation you deserve. Reach us now!