Medication errors can occur at a variety of steps in the process of providing patient care, from ordering the medication to administering the drug. Some of the most common errors, however, take place during the dispensing part of the prescribing process. Whether the result of miscommunication between a doctor and…
Undergoing surgery comes with a certain amount of risk that patients must accept before their procedures. There are some mistakes, however, that are so obvious that they are never permissible. Commonly referred to as “never events”, these kinds of errors include everything from operating on the wrong patient to performing…
Even minor surgeries can be complicated affairs. Recognizing this, hospitals require patients to sign waivers acknowledging that their procedure will come with some risk before they can perform the surgery. Certain mistakes, however, when made by trained medical professionals, are inexcusable. Errors made during surgery, for instance, that result in…
When you see a doctor for an injury or when suffering from a certain condition, they may prescribe you medication to treat it, or to simply alleviate the pain you are experiencing. You have the right to know that the doctor has prescribed you the appropriate type of medication, and…
You trust your doctor to make an accurate and timely diagnosis when you are ill and if they do not, you could suffer serious consequences. Your condition may become worse as you do not receive the treatment you need, or you may even receive treatment for a condition you do…
Many medical professionals provide quality care to patients, diagnosing and treating illnesses, helping with pain management, and conducting complex surgical procedures. Unfortunately, mistakes can and do occur amongst medical practitioners, which can be devastating for those who have put their health in the hands of a negligent doctor, surgeon, or…
Prescription medications provide a wide range of benefits. Some medications, for instance, help regulate blood pressure or fight infections, while others can assist in managing pain. Unfortunately, taking prescription medications can also be dangerous if the wrong type or dosage is prescribed. This is a surprisingly common scenario and can…
Obtaining treatment for a health problem isn’t always as easy as going to the family doctor. While this may have been a common practice in the past, most patients who suffer from serious conditions are now expected to see a specialist, visit a lab or testing facility, or receive treatment…
Medication errors are one of the leading types of medical malpractice, causing thousands of deaths a year and untold injuries. If you or a loved one is taking prescription drugs, you need to be sure you are receiving the right drugs at the right doses. Many problems can arise when…
A recent study has found that sleep deprivation can lead to a significant uptick in medical errors committed by physicians. The study published in JAMA Network Open in December shows that even moderate deprivation was associated with a meaningful uptick in errors. Given how exhausted many residents and doctors are,…
