Articles

Patient safety in hospitals a big concern

November 7, 2018

Medical errors in hospitals still as bad as they were 20 years ago -despite recommendations for changes that would help patient’s safety.  Photo credit: ©WordleyCalvo/Adobe Stock

Twenty years ago, a landmark study by the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) highlighted the prevalence of medical errors and called for a national commitment to reduce patient harm. Today, a follow-up study revealed that 71 percent of hospitals made no improvements and 7 percent actually got worse. Worse yet, 55 percent of nurses “would not definitely recommend their hospital to a family member or friend who needed care.” The study included 535 hospitals in four large states in two time periods, 2005 and 2016, and reports from 53,644 RNs – that is a staggering number of nurses who would not send a family member to their very own hospitals due to patient safety concerns.

Once again, the study found several comparatively low-cost interventions that can improve quality of care and patient safety. The question is why then, when there have been some many tremendous advancements in medical technology, basics steps in patient care and safety are not being implemented and/or followed?

If you or another military dependent was injured in an Army, Navy or Air Force hospital, Brown Law can help.  You may contact our experienced military malpractice lawyer by phone at 1-877-695-8757 (24/7), by e-mail at LawHelp@MilitaryMedicalMalpractice.com or by filling out the short form on the right side of this page.  All consultations are confidential and there is no fee unless we get compensation for you.

Source & to read more: http://www.nursing.upenn.edu/live/news/1240-patient-safety-in-hospitals-still-a-concern

DISCLAIMER: An attorney-client relationship with us cannot be formed by transmission or receipt of the information on this Website and any information you send in an e-mail message to this website will not make you a client. We reserve the right to decline any representation for any reason. This Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal advice. You should not act or rely on any information in this Website without seeking the advice of a lawyer