|
Medication errors committed by doctors, nurses, and other
healthcare professionals are a major problem and the source of many lawsuits.
Medication error causes include prescribing the wrong type of drug, ordering an
improper dose, giving a patient a drug that he or she is allergic to, or
combining medications that are incompatible. These mistakes can lead to deadly
consequences.
Studies indicate that 57% of medication errors
result in "adverse outcomes" (death or serious illness). While the majority of
medication errors are dosing related, prescribing the wrong type of drug, or one
that the patient is allergic to, are both common.
On average,
medication errors, also known as "adverse drug events," increase patient
hospital stays by 2 - 5 days and increase medical bills by nearly $6,000 per
person. While these inconveniences and cost increases are a source of concern,
the possibility that medication errors can result in otherwise avoidable
fatalities and serious injuries is alarming.
Statistics reveal
that the average doctor commits four medication errors for every 1,000
prescriptions written. Some typical medication mistakes include failing to
adjust dosages due to a decline in the patient's kidney or liver function,
failing to inquire about the patient's history of drug allergies, transcribing
the wrong drug name on the prescription pad, and calculating the wrong dose for
the patient's physical and medical condition.
Most medication
errors occur because doctors simply fail to educate themselves about the proper
use of modern prescription drugs. Don't be a victim of a doctor's ignorance. If
you have experienced serious health problems because of a doctor's negligence,
it may be important to contact us to help you protect
your legal rights. Please keep in mind that there are time limits within which
you must commence suit. Related Topics:
Medical Malpractice Injuries
Medical Malpractice Reform
Patient Safety
Frequently Asked Questions regarding Medical
Malpractice
Medication Error information provided by
InjuryBoard.com
| 
