In 1999, The
Institute of Medicine issued a study highlighting the dangers of
hospitalization, particularly illness or injury caused by treatment or by
medical evaluation. The report called for a comprehensive effort to lessen
hospital errors that resulted in death by 50% in five years. Five years later,
the goal wasn't satisfied; nonetheless awareness of the situation rallied the
healthcare industry to make modifications which are finally showing results.
Measurements of patient safety have been set up to properly gauge the issue. To ensure continuing improvements, we must be able to assess the expenses of patient injury along with the reliability of existing techniques. Patient safety targets must be measured using solid data from the field.
A recent report from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality showed that we are improving. Iatrogenic events (illness caused by medical evaluation or treatment) decreased 17% between 2010 and 2013. The report revealed considerable declines in pharmacy errors including preventable allergic reactions and dosing with the incorrect medication. Pharmacy errors were reduced by 40% in the 2010-2013 time frame. Another significant section of enhancement was in a decreased likelihood of catheter infections and bedsores. Unfortunately, it remains unclear which important modifications contributed most towards the decrease in iatrogenic harm; though the cost savings are obvious. The savings to Americans were more than 12 million dollars throughout the reporting period. Closer investigation into what factors led to the most improvements in patient safety will hopefully lead to improvements and cost savings for the entire healthcare system.
Measurements of patient safety have been set up to properly gauge the issue. To ensure continuing improvements, we must be able to assess the expenses of patient injury along with the reliability of existing techniques. Patient safety targets must be measured using solid data from the field.
A recent report from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality showed that we are improving. Iatrogenic events (illness caused by medical evaluation or treatment) decreased 17% between 2010 and 2013. The report revealed considerable declines in pharmacy errors including preventable allergic reactions and dosing with the incorrect medication. Pharmacy errors were reduced by 40% in the 2010-2013 time frame. Another significant section of enhancement was in a decreased likelihood of catheter infections and bedsores. Unfortunately, it remains unclear which important modifications contributed most towards the decrease in iatrogenic harm; though the cost savings are obvious. The savings to Americans were more than 12 million dollars throughout the reporting period. Closer investigation into what factors led to the most improvements in patient safety will hopefully lead to improvements and cost savings for the entire healthcare system.
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