Skip to content

Tag: Medical error

Explore our comprehensive collection of health articles in this category.

What would you do if you made a medical error?

4 min read
According to the Institute of Medicine, medical errors contribute to thousands of deaths each year. For healthcare professionals, navigating the fallout is critical for both patient safety and professional integrity. So, what would you do if you made a medical error? The ethical, legal, and emotional complexities require a structured and responsible approach.

What is the Error Rate for Surgery? Navigating Surgical Risk and Safety

4 min read
According to studies, preventable surgical errors in the United States may occur in approximately 0.5% to 1% of all surgeries annually, translating to thousands of patients experiencing preventable harm each year. However, determining a precise, universal figure for what is the error rate for surgery is challenging due to reporting inconsistencies and varying definitions of what constitutes an 'error'. These statistics, however, underscore the importance of patient safety protocols and understanding the factors involved in surgical risks.

Which is an example of a medical risk?

4 min read
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), medical errors result in the injury or death of tens of thousands of patients annually. Understanding **which is an example of a medical risk** is the first step toward improving patient safety and ensuring better healthcare outcomes. These risks are not limited to surgical mistakes; they encompass a wide range of potential dangers inherent in medical treatment and healthcare systems.

Can a Doctor Mistake a Diagnosis? Understanding Medical Misdiagnosis

5 min read
According to a study published in *BMJ Quality & Safety*, approximately 12 million adults in the United States are misdiagnosed during outpatient visits each year. Understanding the various factors that contribute to this statistic is crucial, and it’s important to know that a doctor can mistake a diagnosis, and patients should be aware of the causes and consequences.

What are the late signs of extravasation? A comprehensive guide to delayed complications

4 min read
While extravasation is a relatively rare event—occurring in about 0.5–6% of people receiving chemotherapy—understanding what are the late signs of extravasation is crucial due to the potential for severe, long-term tissue damage. Unlike immediate symptoms, these delayed complications can appear days or even weeks after the initial incident, highlighting the need for careful, ongoing monitoring.

What is a rule-based error in medicine?

4 min read
According to the World Health Organization, an error is the failure of a planned action to be completed as intended or using the wrong plan to achieve an aim. Understanding **what is a rule-based error in medicine?** is a crucial step toward improving clinical practice and enhancing patient safety.

Can Urgent Care Be Wrong? Understanding Diagnostic Limitations

4 min read
Statistics show that diagnostic errors represent a significant portion of all medical malpractice claims, a sobering reminder that healthcare, while vital, is not infallible. With the rise of walk-in clinics, many wonder: **can urgent care be wrong**? The answer is a nuanced yes, and understanding why is critical for patient advocacy.

What does identification mean in medical terms?

4 min read
According to one report, patient misidentification contributes to an estimated 1,000 deaths annually, highlighting the critical importance of understanding what identification means in medical terms. The practice is a foundational pillar of modern healthcare, safeguarding against preventable mistakes.