- Healthcare Organization Verifies 141 Incidents of Medical Mistakes
Errors in Medical Treatment, or Not? Saxony-Anhalt's Medical Service reviewed 501 potential medical blunders in 2023. In the majority of cases, no error was found. A total of 72% of the suspected mistakes, 360 in total, were proven false by the Medical Service. On the contrary, only 141 cases, or 28%, actually showed evidence of medical errors. This number is similar to the previous year, 2022, when 145 treatment errors were confirmed.
As per Jens Hennicke, the head of Saxony-Anhalt's Medical Service, the low rate of confirmed medical errors is noteworthy when considering the overall medical and nursing care provided in our country in 2023. He also highlighted that modern medicine's expectations are increasingly high, and interventions become increasingly complex. Despite this, Hennicke warned, complications cannot be completely avoided. These can range from scarring and longer hospital stays to even the need for additional surgeries.
In severe cases, medical errors can have life-altering consequences, Hennicke added.
The fields of Orthopedics, Trauma Surgery, and Surgery reported most of the suspicions of medical errors. In care settings, issues such as pressure sores, fall prevention, and proper fluid supply were highlighted.
Promoting a Healthy Error Culture
The Medical Service is promoting a culture that encourages open disclosure, systematic recording, and evaluation of medical errors and potential risks. This includes reviewing errors, even those that do not cause harm, to minimize future occurrences. Hennicke emphasized that errors should not be viewed solely as damaging events but also as indicators of potential danger.
The importance of maintaining a focus on health and safety in medical procedures was underscored by Jens Hennicke, as complications, albeit rare, can still occur despite advanced medicine and complex interventions. Regularly reviewing and evaluating potential medical errors, even those without harmful consequences, helps minimize future occurrences, emphasizing the significance of a healthy error culture in healthcare.
