Do Depressed Doctors Cause Medical Errors?
Mental illnesses such as depression can make it difficult to perform the vigorous duties associated with practicing medicine. A sharp mind is important for health care workers who are tasked with upholding patient safety. Unfortunately, physicians and other health care workers are more depressed than the general population. A recent article in the Huffington Post… Read more »
Tags: PatientSafety
Posted in Medical Negligence
The Importance of Giving an Accurate Medical History
Our medical histories tell doctors a great deal about us, our families, and our medical future. Medical histories let doctors know the types of medications patients can take, which conditions they have or might develop, and how to treat existing health problems. In many ways, accurate histories help prevent medical mistakes. When doctors have incorrect… Read more »
Tags: HealthcareNews
Posted in Medical Malpractice
A Holiday List of Defective Toys Your Children Should Avoid
Defective toys cause catastrophic injuries, so it is important for parents to have information that can help protect their children. For example, news reports suggest lithium-ion batteries used in popular hoverboard toys can explode. There are other examples of dangerous toys this holiday season, and depending on the type of defect, children can suffer burn… Read more »
Tags: HappyHolidays
Posted in Traumatic Brain Injuries
4 Common Dangers Inside Emergency Rooms
We are dependent on emergency rooms (ERs) to provide care during disastrous situations such as car accidents, falls or acute illnesses. However, sometimes ERs can have hidden dangers that cause patient injuries and deaths. By knowing what some of these risks are, patients can better protect themselves and their families. Emergency rooms can be overcrowded,… Read more »
Tags: EmergencyRoom
Posted in Medical Malpractice
Incredible New Blood Test Can Detect Concussions in Children
Researchers are developing a blood test that can detect concussions in children and possibly contribute to improving safety in youth contact sports. Once researchers used the blood test on 152 children, it was discovered to be accurate in diagnosing concussions 94 percent of the time. Instead of relying on time-consuming field tests, CT scans or… Read more »
Tags: Concussion
Posted in Traumatic Brain Injuries
The Scary Truth Behind Diagnostic Errors
Doctors rely on a wide array of tests, technologies and staff to help diagnose patients with medical conditions. However, sometimes these tests are inaccurate and patients can be misdiagnosed. In some cases, diagnostic errors can lead to delayed treatment, pain and death. What can happen to patients unfortunate enough to experience diagnostic errors? A recent… Read more »
Tags: HospitalSafety
Posted in Misdiagnosis
Hospital Errors and PTSD: How Medical Malpractice Traumatizes Survivors
Hospital errors can cause severe psychological problems for survivors, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Even many years after leaving the hospital, affected patients may never return to normal. Take for example the psychological effects of waking up in the middle of a surgical procedure. During anesthesia awareness, patients are unable to move, scream or… Read more »
Tags: PTSD
Posted in Medical Malpractice
Defective Medical Devices that have Harmed Patients
Medical devices can be used to save the lives of patients, providing ways to prevent blood clots, bleeding and other fatal health conditions. However, some of these devices come with defects and other flaws that can cause pain and suffering for patients. In worst-case scenarios, patients can lose their lives. The IVC blood clot filter… Read more »
Tags: FDA
Posted in Medical Malpractice
Hospital Nightmares: Can Surgical Fires Happen to You?
Some medical mistakes made during surgery can cause significant and permanent injuries to patients, such as surgical fires. Surgical fires can happen when oxygen masks unexpectedly ignite during surgery. Many patients survive, but their lives will never be the same. Take for example the story of a 20-year-old woman who suffered second and third degree… Read more »
Tags: HospitalSafety
Posted in Medical Malpractice
Are Surgical Site Infections A Hidden Consequence of Medical Wrongdoing?
When patients die days or weeks after surgery, family members often face a mixture of horror, confusion and a strong desire for answers. Grieving family members deserve answers so questions about their loved ones can be put to rest. Surgical site infections are a common killer of patients who have just undergone surgery. When surgeons… Read more »
Tags: HospitalSafety
Posted in Medical Negligence
