Filed under: medicine, practice, Uncategorized | Tags: errors, health care, healthcare, healthcare systems, medical, medical errors, medical mistakes, reporting, system
Humans are imperfect, thus their actions are expected to be as well. However, in healthcare, medical errors, quite often, are the result of a breakdown in macro- and micro-systems; not necesarily the individual caregiver. Errors in healthcare are, in many instances, symptoms of systemic problems. Yet it’s not uncommon for individuals to shoulder the blame versus a deeper investigation of the system/process inside which an error was made. Let’s be honest, it’s easier and quicker that way.
Under this approach, hospitals can isolate the source (caregiver) of the error, respond quickly and move on.
But why did the error occur? Maybe the equipment is outdated, a poor records management system, not enough support staff, too many hands in the process, inadequate training, lack of protocol, etc.
When blame is unfairly cast, it’s no wonder doctors do not report all incidences…
