In a recent study by Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital, it was reported that the study authors found that there was some type of medication error in one out of two operations. Which means that a medication error of some type occurs 50% of the time. This was a shockingly high number. These medication errors statistics prove that a major change is needed in the medication process.
Medication errors found in 50% of surgeries by MGH
The study of more than 275 operations was the first of its kind because it involved actual observation of the anesthesia providers by trained observers, rather than simply relying on self-reporting of medical errors by the health care providers. Most often, the types of medication errors included labeling, incorrect dosage, documentation errors or failing to treat a patient’s problem that was evident from their vital signs. While these errors are unacceptable, the first step in preventing medication errors is to know that they are occurring before any corrective action can be implemented.
As a nurse-attorney I applaud the efforts of the Massachusetts General Hospital Anesthesia Department
They not only for conducted this important study, but more importantly, for published the unfortunate results. So much of the time in my medical malpractice cases, we encounter health care providers who try to cover up their errors rather than to admit them and take steps to ensure that type of mistake doesn’t happen again. Some providers will even go so far as to change medical record entries to make the care they provide seem appropriate. So, it is refreshing to find a hospital that is interested in finding out where and how it is making mistakes so that it can improve patient care. We need more health care providers like MGH. The only way to change these outcomes is to acknowledge that the problem exists.