MEDICAL ERRORS: A CRITICAL PRACTICE ISSUE (2HR)

Course overview

Medical errors are a silent and largely unseen tragedy. Estimates suggest that medical errors and other instances of preventable harm at hospitals result in the death of 210,000 to 440,000 Americans each year. This course addresses preventable medical errors and provides strategies for nurses in Florida to use to prevent or reduce common errors. The causes and prevention of medical errors are the focus of considerable academic and professional attention. Prevention strategies typically address the three most common causes of medical errors, communication, planning and knowledge, and systemic or institutional failure. The problems associated with medical errors are significant and require that nurses and other health care professionals be ever-vigilant about protecting patients’ safety. Nurses are among the health care leaders who can make a significant difference in reducing medical errors. They should assume the lead in educating their patients and colleagues about ways to prevent harm and keep the health care environment safe for all. Nurses also have a professional obligation to become involved in how their employing organizations address safety issues. They should volunteer for committees and task forces and act as patient advocates at all times. Nurses must support their organization’s efforts to enhance the safety and well-being of patients, visitors, and employees. In addition to adhering to safety mandates, they should help teach their colleagues how to establish and maintain a culture of safety. All employees are responsible for patient safety. Nurses are on the front-line of all safety initiatives and should act as leaders in the safety process. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.Define terms important to the concept of medical error. 2.Describe the various categories of medical errors. 3.Identify factors that contribute to medical error occurrence. 4.Identify strategies for reducing nine common medical errors. 5.Explain the Affordable Care Act’s impact on medical error reduction.