People are not always safe in the hands of some health care workers. Some patients experience lost test results. Some may have experienced surgery on the wrong person or body part. Some healthcare workers can also make the mistake in reading laboratory results. Every day, mistakes like this often happen in clinics and hospitals.
Many patients are admitted in hospitals who suffer serious harm from medical errors, malpractice, misdiagnosis or negligence. We are protected by law with these mistakes. Patients should complain and file a lawsuit if this happens. It is every patient’s right.
In a report by the Institute of Medicine in the United States, estimates that as many as 100000 Americans die each year as the result of mistakes by the health care providers. Hundreds and thousands more suffer from injuries.
This problem is very serious. Medical accidents or errors can be prevented. Yet many errors never come to light. Even if patient’s family files a civil suit for medical malpractice or wrongful death, it does not necessarily mean the error will be disclosed. Many suits are settled out of court. This results in keeping the story out of the public eye.
Why do medical mistakes happen? Economic factors probably play a role. Lack of funds in hospitals can lead to potentially dangerous staff shortages or overworked personnel. Newly minted or novice residents may end up performing complex procedures without adequate supervision. Many believe that the heart of the problem is a poorly designed system. Health care system should certain guidelines to safeguard every patient.
Brian Goldman: Doctors make mistakes. Can we talk about that?
What can we do? These strategies can help reduce the likelihood that you’ll be a victim of medical error:
- Call for test results within a week. Lost diagnostic test are common, so do not assume that because your doctor has not called you, everything is alright. Many tests like pap smears and blood tests can be repeated.
- Get a second or even a third opinion. If you need a surgery or treatment for a new and potentially serious illness.
- Check the background of any new doctor you are seeing. Find out where she trained and for how long and if she or he has a malpractice record. This will help identify doctors and nurses who may need more training and supervision. Are you experiencing identity crisis? Learn if you are gay or not. Answer this simple quiz to find out: https://quizlagoon.com/quiz/am-i-gay-quiz/
- If you need to be hospitalized, choose a high-volume hospital. There’s a much greater chance of error if a new or high tech surgical procedure is done at a hospital that does not perform it frequently.
- If you are in the hospital always keep track of your medication. Check with the nurse each time a medicine is brought to you or designate a family to do it for you. Always question any change in medication or dosage. If you do not receive a satisfactory answer, do not take the medication until you check with your doctor. Not all that is written in a chart is accurate.
