The impact of miscommunication on medical services can be inconvenient at best and, in the worst-case scenarios, fatal. Whether the medical staff is noting symptoms, charting diagnostic results or preparing a patient for transfer to a different facility, communicative accuracy is essential. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for miscommunication to lead to disaster.
Medical malpractice: Communication errors can kill
3 most common surgical errors
No matter the complexity of the surgical procedure, patients trust they will be cared for in a professional manner. Unfortunately, numerous errors can be caused by an incorrect diagnosis, poor communication or mistakes by a highly-trained surgical staff.
The Prevention of adverse drug events (ADE)
In the past, we’ve discussed common adverse drug events (ADE) and the risk factors associated with them. While these ADEs can represent serious harm for patients, there are several steps that numerous medical professionals can take to ensure the health and safety of those under their inpatient or out-patient care.
What is an Adverse Drug Event (ADE)?
Millions of Americans depend on medication to prevent a worsening condition, alleviate the symptoms of a disease or simply maintain daily health. Unfortunately, medication errors, adverse drug reactions, allergic reactions and overdoses are adverse drug events (ADE) that can lead to illness or death.
While largely preventable, ADEs can impact inpatients and outpatients alike. Some reports estimate that ADEs affect 2 million hospital stays and account for more than 3.5 million physician office visits each year.
FDA warns breast implants linked to rare form of cancer
The AP (2/7, Perrone) reports the Food and Drug Administration issued a letter warning health care professionals "to be on the lookout for a rare cancer linked to breast implants after receiving more reports of the disease." The AP adds that breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) "usually forms in the scar tissue that forms around implants." FDA spokeswoman Stephanie Caccomo said, "Having everyone informed about this is in the best interest of the patient."
Are concussion misdiagnoses common in emergency departments?
An injury that requires a trip to the emergency room is likely serious and quite concerning. When an emergency or urgent care staff fails to correctly diagnose your condition, it can lead to worsening symptoms and dramatic changes. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for an emergency room or emergency department (ED) staff to miss a concussion diagnosis that is associated with head trauma.
E-Discovery in the Realm of Medical Malpractice
Due to an increased reliance on technology, hospitals, urgent care and other healthcare facilities have lost the ability to effectively bury paperwork that does not show them in a positive light. Pioneering medical malpractice attorneys understand the importance of an accurate electronic record and the crucial role that e-discovery plays in the future of negligence cases.
In the past, it might have been simple for doctors or nurses to alter records to limit liability or hide negligence. As the medical field adopts electronic records, these alterations might be more complex. For example, patient records can be duplicated in numerous fields from billing to an EHR (electronic health record). In addition, many companies regularly back up data in a secure offsite facility. This is all done to ensure the privacy, security and efficiency of data handling and patient protection. However, this can work against someone attempting to change the file.
Can Medical Negligence Be Prevented By Better Record-Keeping?
Many industries share an increased reliance on technology in their daily activities. From scheduling programs to digital record-keeping, health care professionals rely on computer-aided organization to stay focused on patient care and minimizing stress. But, are these steps enough to ensure proper care?
Can Electronic Health Records Prevent Harm To Patients?
5 Health Technology Hazards For 2019
Patients trust that hospitals are clean, organized and sterile. Unfortunately, there are numerous ways - even outside contracting additional illnesses - that people can become victims. Each year, the ECRI Institute's Health Devices Group identifies the top potential hazards facing those seeking care in the upcoming year.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Diagnostic Medicine
Individuals are becoming much more accustomed to having smart systems such as Siri, Alexa and Cortana provide assistance, guidance or advice on a daily basis. As this technology increases, more healthcare providers are exploring the viability of artificial intelligence and the benefits that machine learning might ultimately have on diagnostic medicine. The reliance on any emerging technology must be tempered with careful attention to both the benefits and the dangers inherent in its use.
The use of intelligent machines to aid in diagnosing complex conditions might provide a workforce benefit - but it might also provide a dangerous shortcut that could result in a fatally incorrect diagnosis.
