Doctors, surgeons and medical staff save many lives each day across the country. Unfortunately, however, medical professionals are not immune from making human errors.
Some studies suggest that medical errors are the third leading cause of death in the United States. As a result, medical mistakes warrant further consideration. Outlined below are three common types of medical errors.
Misdiagnosis
Obtaining the wrong diagnosis is the most prominent form of medical error. It is generally a top priority to have your condition diagnosed correctly and as early as possible for treatment to be successful. A misdiagnosis could set your treatment back significantly and may even result in your condition worsening. Occasionally, individuals might prefer to get a second opinion for reassurance.
Errors with medication
When a patient is given the wrong medication, the results can be catastrophic. Hospitals can be stressful environments, and medical staff frequently face high-pressure scenarios. As a result, there can often be a breakdown in communication between staff. Many patients find it beneficial to thoroughly examine labels and double-check with doctors before starting their course of treatment.
Infections
Unfortunately, many people pick up infections from hospitals that they did not have before entering. Often, these can have minor symptoms, but they can also be severe and even potentially fatal. Pneumonia and blood infections are some of the more serious ailments to be wary of. Fortunately, sterilization and cleaning methods can be very effective in reducing the risk of infections. As a result, hospitals have a responsibility to ensure the highest standards of hygiene.
Recognizing some of the common types of medical errors could be in your best interests. You must be able to trust those tasked with managing your health care needs. If you feel that your rights have been violated as a patient, there may be legal options open to you.