Even though drug errors and wrong-site surgery cases seem to receive a lot of attention, misdiagnosis is more common than both of these types of medical errors, according to The Washington Post . In fact, missed, incorrect, or delayed diagnoses affect between 10 and 20 percent of cases. Misdiagnosis can lead to delayed treatment, a …
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Read MoreMany people place the responsibility of patient safety solely on the shoulders of medical professionals. While doctors and nurses have a great responsibility to provide the best care possible, it’s up to everyone in healthcare to ensure the safety of the patient—including the patient! We all want to avoid medical negligence and one of the …
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Read MoreThe US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is asking healthcare professionals to stop prescribing combination prescription pain relievers that contain more than 325 mg of acetaminophen per tablet, capsule, or other dosage unit, citing the risk for liver damage. The action targets prescription analgesics that contain both acetaminophen and another ingredient, typically opioids such as …
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Read MoreWhen a patient undergoes surgery, he or she entrusts the entire surgical team with his or her safety and well-being. Unfortunately, surgical mistakes, including operating on the wrong body part or operating on the wrong patient, are not uncommon in hospitals across the country. One of the main reasons why these kinds of errors occur …
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Read MoreHeart disease is a general term referring to any disorder of the heart. Over one quarter of all deaths in the United States are caused by heart disease, making it the leading killer of Americans. While some kinds of heart disease cannot be prevented, many kinds can be prevented. Common types of heart disease include …
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Read MoreThis brave article by a young physician highlights her own mother’s hospital stay as being filled with avoidable mistakes and an absence of safety. Learning to Care about Patient Safety Elaine Besancon, MD Most of us can recall a particularly memorable patient who inspired or altered our career path. My patient was a 63-year-old woman …
Read MoreMedication error refers to any mistake in prescribing, dispensing, or administering medicine. According to the Mayo Clinic, medication errors injure more than one million people in the United States each year. Luckily, patients can lower their risk of experiencing a medication error by taking an active role in their health care. Medication errors can happen …
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Read MoreBirth-related medical malpractice refers to a situation in which a doctor, nurse, or member of the medical staff failed to use reasonable care when handling a pregnancy or delivery. Birth-related medical malpractice can cause physical injuries to either the mother or the child. Birth injuries Medical malpractice can occur both during delivery and prior to …
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Read MoreWhen most people visit the hospital, they are seeking treatment for an injury or illness. Unfortunately, a visit to the hospital can be more dangerous than the injury itself, as a 2012 CNN report claims that medical errors kill more than 250,000 people per year in the United States. Here’s a look at some of …
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Read MorePULSE of NY is a grassroots, nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization working to improve patient safety and reduce the rate of medical errors. They seek personal stories about medical errors or confusion w/ a medical diagnosis to use to educate clinicians and the public, to improve health care. Anyone may submit a story for consideration; patient, family …
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