Did you know medical mistakes are a common cause of death? According to researches it is among the top ten reasons of deaths in many countries. When it comes to treatment or surgeries doctors and patients often forget to use some basic tactics to avoid such mistakes.
Both parties should be equally careful in every situation, especially when it has a life and death effect on another human. Below are 7 common medical mistakes that can be prevented with caution.
Medication Mix-ups
This is the most common mistake that patients and doctors both make. To assign someone improper medication due to lack of information or up-to-date tests is a common phenomenon. Sometimes the dosage and names get mixed up and cause life threatening problems to the patient. According to Jonathan Rosenfeld of Rosenfeld Lawyers, it is one of the most prominent cause of accidental death in USA in the recent years. “The best way to avoid such confusion is to make your doctor recheck your prescription. Also if you are visiting a doctor while in between prescriptions, make sure to let him or her know about ongoing medications,” Rosenfeld added. The best way to avoid such confusion is to make your doctor recheck your prescription. Also if you are visiting a doctor while in between prescriptions, make sure to let him or her know about ongoing medications.
Surgical Tools Gone Missing
I am sure we have all heard about surgical tools being left inside patients after surgery. It happens more often than you would like to think. This has a higher chance of happening if the surgical staff is inexperienced and fails to keep a count of equipment being used. Surgical sponges and other small tools are the most common objects to be left behind.
The best way to make sure that nothing is left behind is by reminding the doctors to be extra careful. You can also check the hospital beforehand to see if the staff is well trained or not.
Errors by the Lab
Common medical errors can start from the wrong test results. If the lab does not have adequate staff and up-to-date equipment, it is a matter of concern. Wrong diagnosis leads to wrong treatment. Errors which are most common include incorrectly taken MRI or CT scans, mix up between patients and misinterpretation of results. If you are confused or not clear about the results of a test, ask the facility to run another test to confirm the results.
Qualified or Not
Many a times we have come across stories about fake doctors. These so called doctors have little or no fundamental knowledge about medical science. They have entered the market through boastful fake advertisements. Whenever we go to a doctor or clinic it is best to do a back ground check. In the era of technology and internet it is very easy to find adequate information about facilities and medical practitioners.
Check Before You Leave
Research shows that 2 out of 10 patients come back to the hospital within 4 weeks of their discharge. This either happens due to miscommunication about out of hospital care or due to lack of readiness of the patient. Complications created due to lack of proper care can lead to life threatening situations. The period of time it takes for each patient to make the transition between hospital environment and home differs from patient to patient. Miscommunication or misunderstanding between the doctor and patient can lead to sever medical complications. Thus it is advised that you clear all confusions before discharge.
Don’t take infections home
Infections acquired from hospitals during a visit or surgery effects almost 2 million people every year. According to a report by Health Grades Hospital Quality in America 1 in 9 patients developed infections acquired from hospitals or health facilities. But this can be prevented. If health care providers follow routines properly. Washing hands and keeping oneself clean are some primary methods of coping with the problem.
Communicate and Understand
Poor communication between doctor and patient is said to be the main reason behind many wrong treatments. Doctor’s don’t remember every single test or lab report the patient showed him or her. Neither do they remember the medications they prescribed even a few months back. Thus it is wise to carry all your papers the next time you go for a visit. You can also make a list of questions to ask to the doctor in order to get a better grasp of your own situation. This will help you understand why you need certain medications and tests.
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