Medical errors
Medical errors are quite common among medical practitioners and everyday clinical practice. Studies show that in every year there about 850000 medical errors that occur and result in approximately 40,000 deaths and of those cases, 10 % lead to more detrimental health conditions. Errors result to counter lawsuits in which the patients seek compensation and cost to about 2 billion pounds every year hence showing the magnitude of the problem. Medical errors are preventable if the patients and the medical personnel work together. Unfortunately, this is not the case since most medical errors are not disclosed to patients and family members. Following the magnitude of the problem, the paper will seek to address the issue of medical errors, issue of disclosing, outcomes, current trends, application of theories and how to reduce the errors so as to improve safety and quality of health care in the organization using the PDCA tool.
What are medical errors?
The definition of medical errors is either the commission or omission of steps that lead to negative consequences towards the patient. For a medical error to fit the description, the parties involved have to have knowledge on the matter to call it a mistake. They then determine whether to disclose the issue or not. There are different forms of medical errors which include errors from diagnosis, equipment and misinterpretation of medical orders. These types of errors present a risk to patients hence the need to understand how these errors come about and the right form of action in case of such a scenario. Nevertheless, the mistakes made by medics are as a result of negligence or maleficence. These two concepts may be easily misinterpreted, but it is crucial for patients to know the difference, especially if they happen to be victims of these errors. Negligence of a medical professional is lethal and means that the error occurred unintentionally while on the other hand, maleficence is an error that occurs with the precise knowledge and intention of the medical practitioner.
Nondisclosure of medical errors
There are various hospitals that belief in not informing the patient on matters pertaining to medical errors, especially to the families and patients. They usually let the family members come to that conclusion alone. Empirical studies show that there is a level of difficulty when it comes to disclosing medical errors. Some of the reasons include; attitudinal barriers, fears and anxiety and uncertainty on how to disclose without clear knowledge of the outcomes the error will bring. Medical errors tend to ruin the reputation of the hospital, create mistrust among the patients and their families and present a legal issue to the hospitals’ administration. Additionally, the hospital faces the risk of termination of its business operating license and ruining a person’s life. However, there are usually barriers that prevent disclosure of medical errors they include; colleagues’ attitude, organizations culture and policies. These barriers are some of the significant contributors to the nondisclosure of medical errors.
Nevertheless, there are some benefits of not disclosing information for both the patients and physicians. Firstly, the patients are not emotionally upset about the news, and it is also not recommended for physicians to disclose information that would deter the health of their patients. Doctors should also carry out a risk-benefit ratio when choosing to disclose this is the comparison between beneficence and non-maleficence whichever is higher they get to pick. Nondisclosure often puts medical personnel in psychological turmoil since they carry that burden with them which is emotional distress. It is crucial for the medics to open up to the colleagues they trust so as to not bottle such emotions.
Disclosure of Medical Errors
Disclosing medical errors is an ethical and moral responsibility of health care personnel as long as it does not affect the health of the patient. Empirical studies show that patients are better off knowing the error than finding it out later. From a survey carried out, 80% understood the implications, while 76% wanted such information disclosed to them. International bodies such as the American Medical Association recommend disclosures of medical errors to patients. They have also included disclosure as a process of increasing quality in health facilities and quality improving bodies. Some of the benefits of disclosing are it helps in the welfare of the patient both physically and mentally. It also gives medical personnel relieve since they do not have to keep it a secret hence constantly improving their performance in providing quality healthcare. It also reduces the cost of litigation since some patients don’t find the need to suing once they know the truth despite ruining the relationship between them and the doctor. Studies from the Michigan health system reported that disclosing medical errors reduced annual litigations from 3 million dollars to 1 million dollar and claims over 50%. IT also brings learning and exposure to medics and the organization, giving them time to reflect and improve on their procedures. Aga Khan University hospital is a perfect example of an institution that values the policy for disclosure. They have procedures that require every person to mention the error to the patient since it is their right. However, they lack a proper method to implement the policy.
Practical approach
Currently, health facilities have adopted the policy of disclosing because of its benefits and ethical standings in the health profession. Disclosing of medical errors has made patients trust health facilities more because of their honesty. There are even guidelines that show the proper way of disclosing to patients in case of medical errors. The question of disclosing does not stop there since it poses an ethical issue to the leadership of the hospital. There are several theories that support disclosure. The first theory is Burns theory that states that leaders have a responsibility of promoting equality, justice and liberty. The theory defines leaders are people who motivate their followers in identifying their values in this case disclosing medical errors. The theory supports disclosure as a moral obligation of the organization to the people.
Additionally, Heifetz theory on morality tends to focus on the values of workers and the organization. The theory seeks to ensure that in all circumstances, customers are given quality care in respect to what is right. Based on the theory using the culture of disclosure in indicating medical errors is the path to follow.
Implementation
Disclosure of medical errors tends to be daunting for medical personnel. The first way they can implement it is by training the medical professions on the importance of disclosure. They should then introduce mechanisms for reporting with uttermost discretion such as the people involved can report to their direct supervisor who is most experienced in handling lawsuits. Finally, everyone should take responsibility for their errors by recording them and then rectifying them before they can get out of hand.
Conclusion
Despite medical errors being prominent in our health care system, it is important not to be quick in judging the parties involved since human is to era. Instead of playing the blame game, institutions should come up with ways of handling the errors and educating their people on the importance of disclosing such errors without fear since it is bound to happen one time or another.