Medical Mistakes Research Articles

Evidence-Based Management, Reconsidered.

Reports of medical mistakes have splashed across newspapers and magazines in the United States. At the same time, instances of overuse, underuse, and misuse of management tactics and strategies receive far less attention. Tactics to increase health systems managers' participation in management research include training in evidence-based management, investment in management research projects, and implementing knowledge management systems. To help in understanding and applying an evidenced-based approach to decision-making, the article excerpt provides practical tools and strategies to develop a questioning organizational culture.

Computer vision to enhance healthcare domain: An overview of features, implementation, and opportunities

The emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has already brought several advantages to the healthcare sector. Computer Vision (CV) is one of the growing modern AI technologies. The distribution and administration of medications are about to change by using CV for medication management. This system scans pharmaceutical labels and keeps track of the process from delivery to administration using cameras, sensors, and computer algorithms. In order to assure accuracy in medicine delivery and dose, the system also makes it easier for doctors, nurses, and chemists to communicate. The computer vision-driven medication management system can significantly lower the number of medical mistakes that result from inaccurate or missing prescriptions, improper doses, or simply forgetting to take a particular drug. An exhaustive literature review has been done to identify work related to the research objectives. This paper is about CV and their need in healthcare. Various tasks associated with CV in the healthcare domain are discussed. Targeted healthcare goals through CV traits are briefed. Finally, the significant applications of CVs in healthcare were identified and discussed. Nowadays, CV has practical uses in healthcare. Its methods are widely used since they have shown excellent utility in several medical contexts, including medical imaging and surgical planning. The CV is used to study how to program computers to comprehend digital pictures. Numerous medical applications utilise this technology, such as automated abnormality identification, illness diagnosis, and surgical procedure guiding. CV is expanding quickly and has enormous promise to enhance healthcare. Some of the many CV applications in the healthcare sector include patient identification systems, medical picture analysis, surgical simulation and illness diagnosis.

THE IMPACT OF BURNOUT SYNDROME IN MEDICINE

Burnout syndrome is an increasingly prevalent mental health problem in medicine, characterized by physical, emotional and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and stressful work. This study aims to review the impact of burnout syndrome in medicine, highlighting its causes, symptoms and consequences for the health of professionals. This study aims to analyze the impact of burnout syndrome on the mental health of medical professionals, identifying its main causes, symptoms and consequences. In addition, it seeks to present strategies for preventing and managing this syndrome, with a view to promoting the health and well-being of doctors, highlighting the importance of the mental health of health professionals and discussing measures to promote a healthier and more balanced working environment. This is a bibliographical review, using qualitative premises, with the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Scielo databases. To better refine the research, the health descriptors “Burnout Syndrome”, “Health Professionals”, “Occupational Stress” and “Mental Health” were used. Burnout syndrome in medicine can be triggered by various factors, including excessive workload, lack of emotional support, pressure for results and long working hours. Symptoms include emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and decreased professional fulfillment. The impact of burnout syndrome in medicine is significant, affecting not only the mental health of professionals, but also the quality of care provided to patients. Doctors with burnout are more likely to make medical mistakes, suffer from physical and mental health problems and have lower job satisfaction. Therefore, in order to prevent and manage burnout syndrome, it is important for medical professionals to adopt self-care strategies, such as practicing regular physical activity, setting healthy work limits and seeking emotional support when necessary. In addition, health institutions should promote an organizational culture that values the well-being of professionals and offers adequate support to prevent and treat burnout syndrome. It can therefore be concluded that burnout syndrome is a serious problem in medicine, with significant impacts on the health and well-being of professionals. It is essential that doctors are aware of the signs of this syndrome and adopt measures to prevent and manage its effects. In addition, healthcare institutions should implement policies and practices that promote a healthy and supportive work environment for their professionals.

Effectiveness of simulation-based medical education perceptions and attitudes

Simulation is a highly effective method often used in medical training. Simulation-based medical education (SBME) provides a way for healthcare professionals and patients to experience medical scenarios without actual risk to health or safety. This study focuses on comparing the views and opinions about SBME and traditional medical education (TME) among students from various levels and programs within medical colleges at Majmaah University in Saudi Arabia. A survey was used to gather information on students' perceptions and attitudes towards SBME and TME. The study analyzed responses from 472 healthcare students using Statistical Analysis System software. Of these participants, 52.33% were male and 47.67% were female. Most of the students, 80.30%, were pursuing bachelor's degrees, while 19.70% were in master's programs. The breakdown of their fields of study was as follows: 17.80% in medicine, 71.82% in applied medical sciences, and 10.38% in dentistry. A large majority, 93.43%, were familiar with SBME in general, and 90.89% knew about SBME in their specific field, indicating high awareness. Despite the challenges in using and maintaining SBME, the study found overall positive perceptions and attitudes towards it among healthcare students. Additionally, most participants believed that SBME offers a better learning environment, helps in reducing future medical mistakes, and supports every student's right to access SBME training.

CDSS Implementation Processes in the East Malaysian Government Hospitals During COVID-19 Pandemic

Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS) have been shown to reduce medical mistakes, but their implementation can sometimes be demanding. This exploratory study aimed to pinpoint key characteristics for implementing CDSS in government hospitals in East Malaysia. Through in-depth case studies and focus group interviews, essential determinants were identified, including technical support, communication and collaboration, and user readiness for new technology. The analysis revealed these determinants as crucial for CDSS implementation. The findings and proposed framework are valuable in assisting the hospitals in establishing guidelines for implementing CDSS, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 era. By considering these insights, hospitals may leverage CDSS to reduce medical errors and enhance patient care.

Leveraging lean 4.0 technologies in healthcare: An exploration of its applications

Lean 4.0, a fusion of lean manufacturing and digital technologies, is a powerful tool for implementing Industry 4.0. Its widespread use across sectors is driven by its ability to eliminate waste, reduce errors, boost revenue, and enhance customer care and efficiency. In the healthcare sector, this fourth lean revolution is particularly beneficial, as it helps to curb wastage and enhance efficiency, leading to more effective outcomes. Lean 4.0, a globally recognized best practice for industrial organisations, has proven its worth in enhancing performance and competitiveness. Its success has led to its adoption not only in manufacturing but also in non-manufacturing sectors such as Healthcare, finance, telecommunications, construction, and logistics. Its ease of use and effectiveness make it a superior alternative to traditional medical waste management techniques. Relevant papers on Lean 4.0 for Healthcare in the current literature are identified and studied to evaluate the impact of Lean 4.0 principles in Healthcare. This review-based research studies Lean 4.0 technologies and their needs in Healthcare. It discusses sustainable support for the healthcare sphere through Lean 4.0. Paper briefs several modalities of Lean 4.0 for the healthcare domain. Finally, the paper identifies and discusses the significant applications of Lean 4.0 in Healthcare. Lean 4.0 is essential to lowering errors that lead to medical mistakes since this business deals with life-or-death situations. Healthcare institutions need to reduce their overall waste reduction. With Lean 4.0, staff members working in quality management, clinical operations, consulting, and patient experience can progress into leadership roles in the healthcare sector. Lean 4.0 technologies can reduce waste production, including employing reusable medical equipment or cutting down on packaging waste. The possible difficulty of integrating digital technologies with healthcare systems and practices is Lean 4.0's limitations for the healthcare industry. Healthcare institutions can use refillable syringes and other disposable items to reduce waste rather than disposable plastic syringes. In future, healthcare institutions may save costs and lessen their environmental effect by minimising trash by using lean 4.0 technologies.

Medical malpractice stress syndrome in theory and practice - a narrative review

Accusations of medical malpractice, increasingly common among healthcare professionals, are a massive source of stress which can lead to the development of medical malpractice stress syndrome (MMSS). The symptoms of this syndrome are often compared to those in post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD), and the doctors are referred to as "second victims" of medical mistakes. The aim of the publication is to highlight MMSS, its symptoms, its similarity to PTSD, its consequences, and methods of prevention and management. In addition, attention was paid to the number of medical malpractice lawsuits among medical specialties mostly affected by this problem to illustrate the scale of the phenomenon. The publication is a narrative review. Medical databases (PubMed, ResearchGate, Biblioteka Nauki), termedia and Jurnals.viamedica service from the years 1988-2023 were reviewed. The MMSS manifests itself with symptoms such as anger, frustration, anxiety, guilt, sleeping disorders, loss of self-confidence, and depression. Later, somatic symptoms, such as cardiovascular, also appear. The MMSS may lead to unnecessary ordered examinations, delayed therapeutic processes, or premature retirement from the profession. Recently, patients have become more aware of their rights, resulting in an increase in malpractice lawsuits, particularly in specialties such as gynecology and obstetrics, neurosurgery, and radiology. Concerns about the legal consequences of medical errors may affect future specialization choices. Graduates tend to avoid specialties with a high risk of medical malpractice. Coping with MMSS requires social support and cooperation between doctors and lawyers or psychiatrists. Prevention of MMSS includes awareness of stress reactions and procedures decreasing the risk of committing medical malpractice. The prevalence of MMSS among physicians and the impact of the risk of medical malpractice lawsuits on the choice of medical specialty in Poland require further examinations. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2023;74(6):513-26.

Medical Errors in Health Care Institutions: an Interdisciplinary Study of the Competences of Specialists Based on Medical and Pharmaceutical Law

In global medical practice, physicians have faced criminal charges such as manslaughter, reckless endangerment, or negligent homicide following fatalities of patients. A comprehensive and interdisciplinary study was carried out, involving forensic and pharmaceutical, medical and immunological, as well as criminal and legal expertise. This study focused on the competencies of healthcare facility professionals, guided by medical and pharmaceutical law within the legal framework of interactions between doctors, patients, pharmacists, and lawyers. It specifically addressed medical mistakes made in the field of gynecology. The research encompassed an analysis of how leading countries worldwide handle medical errors. It categorized common medical missteps, including hazardous surgical methods, infections from medical care, diagnostic inaccuracies, and risky blood transfusions. The forensic and pharmaceutical practices related to gynecological medical errors were scrutinized. Furthermore, the study led to the proposition of normative initiatives for amendments and additions to Article 140 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, aiming to address these issues more effectively.

European Nephrologists’ Attitudes toward the Application of Artificial Intelligence in Clinical Practice: A Comprehensive Survey

Introduction: The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and big data analytics, including descriptive, diagnostic, predictive, and prescriptive analytics, has the potential to revolutionize many areas of medicine, including nephrology and dialysis. Artificial intelligence and big data analytics can be used to analyze large amounts of patient medical records, including laboratory results and imaging studies, to improve the accuracy of diagnosis, enhance early detection, identify patterns and trends, and personalize treatment plans for patients with kidney disease. Additionally, artificial intelligence and big data analytics can be used to identify patients’ treatment who are not receiving adequate care, highlighting care inefficiencies in the dialysis provider, optimizing patient outcomes, reducing healthcare costs, and consequently creating values for all the involved stakeholders. Objectives: We present the results of a comprehensive survey aimed at exploring the attitudes of European physicians from eight countries working within a major hemodialysis network (Fresenius Medical Care NephroCare) toward the application of artificial intelligence in clinical practice. Methods: An electronic survey on the implementation of artificial intelligence in hemodialysis clinics was distributed to 1,067 physicians. Of the 1,067 individuals invited to participate in the study, 404 (37.9%) professionals agreed to participate in the survey. Results: The survey showed that a substantial proportion of respondents believe that artificial intelligence has the potential to support physicians in reducing medical malpractice or mistakes. Conclusion: While artificial intelligence’s potential benefits are recognized in reducing medical errors and improving decision-making, concerns about treatment plan consistency, personalization, privacy, and the human aspects of patient care persist. Addressing these concerns will be crucial for successfully integrating artificial intelligence solutions in nephrology practice.

Investigating Causes of Medical Errors in Intensive Care Units in Iran: A Cross-sectional Study.

Medical errors cause disability and mortality in intensive care units (ICUs). We aimed to determine the occurrence and causes of medical errors in the ICUs of Iran. In this cross-sectional study, data from the family complaint files referred to The disciplinary authority of Iran Medical Council was retrospectively reviewed to explore the causes of medical errors. Statistical analysis was performed in SPSS Version 26.0. A total of 293 complaint files were referred to the disciplinary commission from 2014 to 2019, of which 95 files were related to medical errors in ICUs. The median age of patients was 62 years (46-74 years) and 52 (54.7%) patients were men. Also, 37 (38.9%) patients had decreased levels of consciousness and 42 (42.2%) patients had cardiovascular disease. A total of 40 (42.1%) patients experienced a single medical error and 55 (57.9%) patients experienced more than 1. Causes of medical errors in patients were physician's or nurse's negligence in 53 (55.8%) patients, weak interaction of physician and nurse with the patient and family members in 11 (11.6%) patients, weak interprofessional interaction among physicians in 7 (7.4%) patients, equipment and structure of ICUs in 7 (7.4 patients, nature of ICUs and patients in 6 (6.3%) patients, weak physician-nurse interprofessional interaction in 5 (5.2%) patients) patients, low attention of the physician and the nurse to medication safety in 6 (6.3%) patients. Patient safety is impacted by a variety of medical mistakes. Interprofessional strategies can be developed and put into action to mitigate medical errors in ICUs.

Modification of allergen subcutaneous immunotherapy safety precautions and systemic allergic reactionrate reduction.

Background: Despite their life-threatening potential, medical team mistakes during subcutaneous immunotherapy are rarely discussed. Real data are missing, and a survey study estimated that dosing errors are responsible for 25% of systemic reactions during immunotherapy. To minimize errors, we modified our safety precautions and compared the rates of systemic allergic reactions before and after the change. Methods: Our retrospective comparative cohort study compared systemic allergic reactionrates during 2012-2015 and 2016-2019, after a second check of the injected allergen/s by another nurse/physician was added to the treatment protocol. Results: The rate of systemic allergic reaction per injection was reduced from 0.93to 0.71%; p=0.023. Conclusion: A secondcheck prior to injection is beneficial and can reduce the allergic reactionrate during immunotherapy.

Deoxyribonucleic acid test results in both paternity cases and assisted reproductions: rebuttals of the presumption of legitimacy under Section 165 of the “Nigerian Evidence Act”, 2011?

Section 165 of the Nigerian Evidence Act, 2011, presumes the legitimacy of a child given birth to during the existence of a valid marriage between the mother of such a child and any man, or within 280 days after the dissolution of any such marriage - if the mother remains unmarried after the dissolution of the marriage. Being a presumption, the legitimacy of such a child may be displaced upon adducing credible evidence to prove that the child is not fathered by the man during the continuance of the marriage or within 280 days immediately after the dissolution of the marriage. This Article therefore, discusses the use of Deoxy Ribonucleic Acid tests results to rebut the presumption of legitimacy in Section 165 of the Evidence Act using paternity cases and In Vitro Fertilization of embryos, particularly where there are medical mistakes or malpractices by clinicians and embryologists. Keywords: Deoxyribonucleic Acid; Paternity; In Vitro Fertilization; Presumption; Evidence Act

Telemedicine and Telehealth Solutions

Telemedicine and telehealth solutions are witnessing a dramatic shift in the global healthcare sector at a time of unprecedented technological advancements. These innovative approaches are changing the way healthcare is delivered, increasing accessibility, efficacy, and patient-centeredness. Telemedicine has evolved as a powerful technique for overcoming the geographic limits that have long prohibited patients from obtaining high-quality medical treatment. Telemedicine allows patients and healthcare providers to connect without being physically separated, whether they are in crowded cities or remote rural regions. This technical breakthrough has improved patient outcomes while also allowing for the provision of emergency treatment during times of crisis and disaster. Patients may rapidly schedule online consultations, obtain medical advice, and receive tailored treatment plans. This degree of ease encourages patients to actively manage their health, strengthening the trust- and cooperation-based doctor-patient relationship. Telehealth technologies play a critical role in improving healthcare accessible in areas with inadequate healthcare infrastructure. Medical expertise may be extended to underserved areas using telemedicine platforms, allowing professionals to consult, diagnose, and treat patients who would otherwise face major hurdles to timely medical care. Furthermore, telemedicine programs have shown to be critical in delivering mental health care, particularly in areas where mental health resources are few. The combination of telemedicine and telehealth technology has transformed the delivery of healthcare services. Remote patient monitoring gadgets and wearable technology have enabled healthcare practitioners to continually monitor their patients' health state, allowing them to discover possible issues early and respond proactively. Furthermore, telemedicine has simplified medical record administration, improved care coordination, and reduced medical mistakes. While the advantages of telemedicine solutions are obvious, difficulties remain. These include worries about data security, privacy, and the need for regulatory frameworks to properly control telemedicine operations. Addressing these issues would need the collaboration of governments, healthcare institutions, and technology suppliers. We can establish a safe atmosphere for telehealth solutions to thrive by creating strong rules and guidelines. Telemedicine and telehealth have emerged as viable options for addressing Pakistan's healthcare concerns. With a rising population and restricted access to medical facilities, these revolutionary technologies are reshaping the country's healthcare scene. Telemedicine connects patients from rural and underprivileged locations with healthcare specialists via virtual consultations, allowing for quick diagnosis and treatment suggestions [1]. Furthermore, telehealth efforts enable people to take an active role in their health management by putting medical information and services at their fingertips. Despite certain infrastructure and regulatory difficulties, the use of telemedicine and telehealth in Pakistan has enormous potential to improve healthcare access and patient outcomes across the country.

Management of Medication Error Reporting in HIV/AIDS Patients

Background: One of the most frequent medical mistakes that lower patient safety and mortality is medication errors in HIV/AIDS patients. A structured reporting system is necessary for the efficient avoidance of these kinds of mistakes. In order to discover parameters influencing the management of medication mistake reporting in HIV-infected patients, the current research was carried out.
 Methods: The current research is an example of an applied study that was carried out between 2010 and 2019 utilizing a hybrid (quantitative-qualitative) methodology. First, the primary factors impacting the management of medication mistake reporting in HIV positive patients were collected from a study of the research literature and 35 interviews with experts in the area of treating HIV patients, and a research questionnaire was created utilizing them. Using the Lawshe approach, the questionnaire was sent to and collected from 31 experts in order to assess its content validity. SPSS23 was then used to determine the questionnaire's reliability, which resulted in a Cronbach's alpha value of 0.920. 400 workers who treated HIV/AIDS patients provided information for the data collection. Exploratory factor analysis was used to analyze the data, together with SPSS23 and Lisrel software.
 Results: Four factors were found to be important in managing medication mistake reporting in HIV patients, including organizational factors (18 variables), person factors (9 variables), educational factors (10 variables), and communication factors (6 variables). The management of medication mistake reporting in HIV patients was impacted most and least by personal and educational variables, with factor loadings of 0.784 and 0.754, respectively.
 Conclusion: It is preferable to concentrate on individual variables (employee-related hurdles, fear of the repercussions of reporting, and others' reactions) rather than addressing all four aspects at once in order to manage medication mistake reporting in HIV positive patients (managers, colleagues, patients). Managers, policymakers, specialists from behavioral disease counseling centers, and attending physicians should pay greater attention to both the individual (application and development of the integrated HIV management system).

Responsibility in the Field of Providing Medical Services: The Experience of Slovakia

The purpose of the article is to identify the positive experience of Slovakia in the field of legal liability of medical workers, which has been successful in practice and therefore worth following, both in Ukraine and in other states. To achieve this purpose, general and special scientific research methods were used, in particular dialectical, historical-legal, systematic, and comparative legal methods. The legal regulation of liability for the provision of medical services constantly generates debate in scientific circles and in practical implementation. The legislation of Ukraine does not regulate concepts such as medical mistakes and medical crimes. The lack of regulatory criteria for medical mistakes and crimes, the difficulty in determining the cause and effect relationship, as well as the need for professional supervision in the provision of medical services, encourages the study of foreign experience, mainly the experience of the European Union Member States in this field.

Development and Usability Testing of a System to Detect Adverse Events and Medical Mistakes.

Many inpatient hospital visits result in adverse events, and a disproportionate number of adverse events are thought to occur among vulnerable populations. The personal and financial costs of these events are significant at the individual, care team, and system levels. Existing methods for identifying adverse events, such as the Institute for Healthcare Improvement Global Trigger Tool, typically involve retroactive chart review to identify risks or triggers and then detailed review to determine whether and what type of harm occurred. These methods are limited in scalability and ability to prospectively identify triggers to enable intervention before an adverse event occurs. The purpose of this study was to gather usability feedback on a prototype of an informatics intervention based on the IHI method. The prototype electronic Global Trigger Tool collects and presents risk factors for adverse events. Six health professionals identified as potential users in clinical, quality improvement, and research roles were interviewed. Interviewees universally described insufficiencies of current methods for tracking adverse events and offered important information on desired future user interface features. A key next step will be to refine and integrate an electronic Global Trigger Tool system into standards-compliant electronic health record systems as a patient safety module.

Artificial Intelligence in Health Sector: Current Status and Future Perspectives

The developing fields of artificial intelligence (AI)/ machine learning (ML) offer a significant potential to improve healthcare services. Many areas of clinical practice, scientific research, and healthcare management have included AI/ML techniques. Screening and daily fitness monitoring, diagnostic services in gastroenterology, pathology, and radiology, as well as support for clinical decision-making and palliative care, are the main categories involved. However, there are significant obstacles to the widespread use of AI/ML in healthcare, including higher installation and maintenance costs, potentially harmful medical mistakes, a lack of ethical frameworks for AI, unemployment, and reduced capacity building within the human workforce. Many business initiatives have now been created in the field of healthcare AI/ML innovation. They offer everything from advanced diagnostics to vitals monitoring in their products and services. In short, AI/ML may be extremely important in addressing the difficulties with complexity and the explosion of data in the healthcare system. AI/ML is a component of contemporary healthcare, and its further adoption is contingent on thoroughly addressing pertinent issues.

Evaluation of patient safety culture in community pharmacies

BackgroundThe majority of medical mistakes risking patient safety have been related to medication. Numerous international health organizations support assessing safety culture in healthcare organizations as a successful tactic for long-term safety development. ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess patient safety culture, investigate determinants of patient safety in community pharmacies and identify strengths and possible improvements concerning patient safety in the Lebanese community. MethodAn observational descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using the Pharmacy Survey on Patient Safety Culture (PSOPSC). It was distributed among Lebanese community pharmacists. ResultsOne hundred forty-five community pharmacists completed the survey. High percent positive response (PPR) was seen in the domains of patient counseling (86.4%) and teamwork (83.9%). “Staffing, Work Pressure, and Pace” composite scored 41.2%. Female pharmacists were shown to be more dedicated to patient safety culture, namely in patient counseling skills (P < 0.05). Working for 32 to 40 h per week (β = 19.305), and for >40 h per week (β = 18.315) were significantly associated with increased patient safety score. ConclusionAn overall positive perception towards patient safety culture was seen among Lebanese community pharmacists.

Procedural Protection from Damages Resulting from Medical Errors in the UAE

This study examines recent procedural protection for damages caused by medical mistakes. Under the Federal Regulation No. 33 of 2020, numerous fundamental changes were made to increase the level of protection offered to those who have been injured. Numerous topics relevant to the study's topic, the descriptive and analytical methodology for those modifications, and numerous recent judicial judgments made by high courts in the UAE were discussed. The research examined legal protections before making specific recommendations for changes to these rules.

DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF A HOSPITAL BIOMETRIC DATA MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

The need to drastically reduce the delay faced by patients before they receive treatment in the University Clinic and the need to reduce the occurrence of medical mistakes due to patient’s misidentification led to this work which aimed at developing a hospital biometric data management system.Java was the programming language of choice and Netbeans was the Integrated Development Environment (IDE) used to design the Graphical User Interphase (GUI) and write codes. For the backend database, MySQL was used for demonstration purposes. The analytical diagrams were drawn using VioletUMLEdit. The Griaule Fingerprint Software Development Kit (SDK) was used to implement the fingerprint capture, enrollment, identification and verification features of the software.The tests and results obtained showed that with this hospital management system, the time taken to retrieve patient’s record has been reduced from several minutes to less than five seconds thereby eliminating the delay experienced by patients during search of their records. The problem of medical mistakes due to patient’s misidentification was also addressed by the biometric feature of the management system.