Is Hospital Equipment Dangerous?

Research Finds Healthcare Equipment Responsible for Many Hospital Injuries

Posted on May 06, 2015 by Shapiro Law Group

When going to see the doctor or staying at a hospital, most information regarding the visit and options for treatments will be stored on computers and in databases. Unfortunately, healthcare equipment and computers cannot always protect patients against medical mistakes.

In a survey from West Health Institute, a non-profit medical research organization, 50 percent of surveyed nurses reported witnessing errors in devices and other medical machinery. Another poll conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health shows that 23 percent of hospital staff report they or an acquaintance were responsible for a medical mistake. Respondents polled in this study reported that misdiagnosis was the most common problem.

Many times, it is not the fault of the equipment or computers, but the person operating them. Healthcare providers have to input data into many of these machines and computers, a time consuming process that can lead to mistakes if done incorrectly.

What are the consequences of inputting incorrect data? Patients might receive the wrong type of medication, worsening a condition or causing serious harm. In one case, a San Francisco nurse accidently brought a patient 38 times the dosage of a medication he required! Another case in Chicago involving a pharmacy computer error resulted in the death of a newborn.

When Can Victims of Medical Mistakes Sue for Medical Malpractice?

Medical malpractice occurs when patients do not receive adequate care and suffer severe damage as a result. As we have shown our readers today, computer errors are still human errors. In such cases, individuals and families might be able to receive compensation.

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