Mechanisms applicable to the reduction of medical errors include the simplification of the processes of entry, storage, and subsequent reproduction of medical information. It should be understood that the more complex these processes are, the higher the risks of making medical errors especially duplications and omissions (13 Principles to Reduce Medical Errors in Hospitals. 2019, February 17). In addition to simplification, having experienced personnel to handle these processes would help in reducing medical errors. The experience could be gathered from having specific persons handling particular stages of input, maintenance or retrieval of medical information. The experienced persons would further exhibit speed and efficiency in their job. It is even easier for a person that is accustomed to a particular routine to detect errors and promptly provide solutions to these errors quickly.
The human memory is faulty as it cannot accurately store every bit of information. For this reason, the human brain cannot be used alone in the processing of medical information. To solve the problem, computerization within medical care services is highly advocated for. Computer systems have more permanent and recoverable memory that is accurate compared to the human ones. A computerized medical system could only be erroneous if the user of the system made an error in the entry of data or commands to the systems. To curb computational errors, some systems are programmed to identify any errors and notify the user before processing the intended data. Electronic systems are also effective as they could be fitted with user manual software within them that would guide a user through a process where they deliver error-free products. Some systems may also have strict procedural error prevention systems where before the submission of any product or data, it requires a final confirmation by the user. This stage of data entry ascertains that the user is sure and ready for any outcome of the information they are feeding into the system. This action also helps in the early identification of errors. Electronic systems could also have a procedure of double checking the drafts before submission to ensure that there are no errors. Some of these systems are designed to have the management clear any errors or authenticate any changes within medical systems. With such, the juniors are keen that they do not keep bothering their seniors over the authentication of the detected errors and would, therefore, work to avoid mistakes.
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To avoid medical errors, the working conditions for all persons involved must be supportive even to facilitate high productivity. Excellent working conditions ensure that the persons engaged in the medical information systems are alert. Alertness decreases with the occurrence of different factors, for example, the stress of the employee, anxiety, or fatigue. To ensure the least possible errors, the medical service providers must ensure that workers have the best working environments that enhance and maintain the alertness of the personnel in question.
Continuous communication and consultations among the workers would help in avoiding errors in the provision of medical care. Team members would join thoughts in identifying the occurrence of any errors and even provide a solution to the same. Proper training would also be an effective strategy of avoiding mistakes in medicine since the person shall have all the necessary skills to perfect their work. As mentioned earlier, continued experience also helps in preventing errors among workers as they practice the learned professions.
It would also be essential to be sure about the credibility of the information given mainly by the patient. Due to their illness and conditions, patients may fail to give the correct information and the medical personnel dealing with such cases may need to confirm with the family or friends accompanying the patient. Some other times, there is a language barrier between the medic and the patient and the situation would need the intervention of a translator. It would be dangerous for the personnel to assume that they understand all that the patient is saying and make incorrect entries into health systems. Therefore, it is vital that the medical staff is sure that the information they are receiving about the patient is clear, concise and accurate to avoid preventable errors.
The issue of patient safety is a significant concern in the recent past. The most significant safety concerns include the risks of; contracting new diseases, misdiagnosis, wrong prescriptions, failure to be sought for consent before any medical procedures, and unauthorized sharing of information (Dekker, 2016). To avoid such situations, the quality assurance department must be present as an overall department that counterchecks all medical procedures and events in a facility to ensure that they are in line with the requirements and the objectives of the processes and the facility. This department has to work with all other departments including the surgeries, accidents and emergencies, nursing, and even the casual workers that run the facility. With a representative of each department in the quality and standards assurance department, the department is well informed about any incidences and further assured of professional advice on the corrective measures in case of any occurrences that hinder patient safety.
Maintaining strict patient safety measures in a hospital or facility helps in avoiding any unnecessary costs incurred in rectifying errors of safety. Some cases of patient unsafety end in expensive court battles and compensation claims that could cost the facility significant amounts of money. These amounts could be used on more important projects that would benefit the facility significantly. Spending on patient safety measures has a higher return on investment than dealing with cases of the patients claiming compensation after their safety is not delivered.
The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations is mandated to ensure the safety and the quality of care delivered to patients in the public health care organizations (Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). n.d.). It deals with issues concerning the evaluation of the competency of the personnel delivering healthcare services. The Commission also offers support to systems that contribute to improving the performance of the entire health system. It also accredits and certifies that the personnel participating in the delivery of health services meet the required qualifications. It achieves this by assessing their performance in the fields of operation. The commission also initiates the public policies concerning patient safety. It is also responsible for relaying information about their findings and recommendations to the concerned parties. The commission also has the authority to give legal advice on matters involving the infringement of patient safety standards.
As a healthcare professional in practice, I would always prioritize on the safety of the patient, considering all the factors that contribute to their safety as discussed earlier. I shall always guard their information against any unauthorized entities and outsiders since I understand the consequences of violating the privacy of patient information. In case I need to share the information in the unavoidable situations, I would ensure that I have the consent of the patient. If they are unable to approve, then I would inform their next of kins and explain to them the importance of sharing the information and the relative implication in treating the patient.
In matters concerning the practice as a health practitioner that would risk the safety of the patient, for example, contacting diseases during treatment, I would work to avoid such instances. I would also cooperate with other health care workers to avert these situations. For example, as a doctor, I would not want cases of my patients getting bruised from the movements in the bed. I would, therefore, delegate the duty of avoiding such instances to nurses where I would instruct them to turn the patients with caution and sometimes supervise such actions.
I would also push for the installation of safety wares for the patients; for example, their access areas could be fitted with treaded floors to avoid slips and slides that result in falls. Besides, I would have the patients educated about their safety and ensure all their fears and safety concerns are dealt with conclusively. Moreover, I would educate the patients on the personal safety measures they should take during treatment or their stay at the hospital. I would also ensure there are means of identifying and reporting safety issues for necessary action.
The chief nursing officer is responsible for all the nursing activities in a facility. All other nurses fall under his responsibility. The chief nursing officer is responsible for the overall recruitment of nurses on the issue of patient safety. The officer gives instructions to the juniors on the ways of ensuring patient safety. Besides, the officer further assesses and evaluates the progress of the juniors in the implementation of the safety measures, making the necessary records and discussing the findings with the relevant parties. The officer also receives reports of patient safety and acts on them appropriately. The officer is answerable to the management of the facility on matters regarding patient safety and can be held personally accountable for any incidences of safety occurring during his or her tenure in office.
References
13 Principles to Reduce Medical Errors in Hospitals. (2019, February 17). Retrieved from https://www.medaptus.com/13-systems-principles-reduce-medical-errors-hospitals/ . Accessed on 14 March 2019
Dekker, S. (2016). Patient safety: a human factors approach. CRC Press.
Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). (n.d.). Health Care Policy and Politics A to Z . doi:10.4135/9781452240121.n194. Accessed on 14 March 2019
