A recent statistic published from British Medical Journal, it's even higher than accident, respiratory diseases or even diabetes.
Where does Medical error happens? The following are among the most widely reported errors, according to the FDA and American Hospital Association:
- Wrong diagnosis
- Wrong medication
- Missing or incomplete patient information
- Wrong blood group transfusions
- Infections due to poor hygiene
- Wrong organ surgery or removal
Why does medical error happens?
Because doctors and nurses are human too
Some of the example of medical errors in Singapore:
Example 1
SINGAPORE — A young doctor who administered a chemotherapy drug the wrong way, putting the patient at risk of “severe neurological damage”, has been fined S$2,000 by the Singapore Medical Council (SMC).
Example 2
Woman’s eyelids stuck together after pharmacy mistake
A HOUSEWIFE was prescribed a gel to soothe an eye irritation – but ended up being given dental adhesive paste instead. The mix-up by the pharmacy at National University Hospital (NUH) caused Madam Pang Har Tin’s eyelids to stick together. The 63-year-old was rushed to the accident and emergency department to have her right eye flushed out. She has since made a full recovery.
What can we do?
Prevention is the best option
Often, you may do a lot of research when you are purchasing a travel package, when you are purchasing a car, or even when you are buying a furniture, a house, etc.
Why don't you do the same when it comes to your health care professional?
If you don't understand what the doctors are saying, ask to explain. This can apply to diagnosis, medication. You deserve the right to know.
Next time, dare to ask further and always educate yourself to be a wiser consumer, a mission of Nutritional Immunology.
Cheers
To keep the body in good health is a duty, otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear
Siew Choon
Nutritional Immunology Lifestyle Coach
90263064
