Medication errors may be due to new IT systems
Although health IT systems are supposed to make the job of medical professionals easier while improving patient outcomes, a study indicates that these systems may be leading to an increase in medication errors in New York and around the country. The study, which was published by the ECRI Institute and the Pennsylvania Safety Advisory, found that unexpected problems with the new systems have developed, and issues appear to occur in a variety of ways.
Pedestrian Deaths More Likely to Occur in Lower Income NY Neighborhoods
After a pedestrian collision that causes a fatality, family members of the victim who was killed in the accident should talk with New York City wrongful death lawyers to find out what legal rights they have. Unfortunately, fatal pedestrian accidents occur far too commonly and families are left facing shattered lives as they try to […]
Misdiagnosis by New York doctors might be common
A study indicates that a significant number of people are misdiagnosed and find this out by seeking a second opinion from another physician. The study, which was published in the Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice, determined that about a fifth of patients who sought another opinion discovered that they had been misdiagnosed by the first doctor they saw.
Common atrial fibrillation drug could cause death
New York patients may be interested to learn that those who have an atrial fibrillation, or an irregular heartbeat, have an increased risk of death if they are being given digoxin, a medication that could control the symptoms. According to the American College of Cardiology, the risk of death increases as the levels of digoxin in the bloodstream increase.
Failure to diagnose liver cancer can be deadly
Liver cancer kills people in New York every year. Because it initially shows no symptoms, it is often misdiagnosed in its earlier stages when it is most easily treated. When a doctor fails to diagnose liver cancer, a victim may be able to hold the doctor liable by filing a medical malpractice lawsuit.
Medication interactions can have life-altering consequences
You rely on the nurses, doctors and pharmacists that handle your medical care to make the right choices. Depending on your age, background and health, you may already take one or more prescription medications, as well as supplements and herbal medicines. Most of the time, these drugs can be taken at the same time without any issue.
More patients seeking double mastectomies
New York residents who are at risk for developing breast cancer may be interested to learn that more women diagnosed with the condition in one breast are opting to undergo double mastectomies. According to a recent study, approximately 42 percent of women who had unilateral breast cancer between 2010 and 2012 opted to remove both breasts.
Nurse may have exposed patients after reusing syringes
New York patients may be dismayed to hear that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported that a nurse may have infected two people with viruses after reusing syringes. It was believed that, as a result, two patients were exposed to the hepatitis C virus and two other patients were exposed to the hepatitis B virus.
Misdiagnosing colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer is the fifth most common reason for malpractice lawsuits, with many plaintiffs claiming that there was a failure by their health care professional to detect the condition early enough. Patients in New York should know that colorectal cancer produces symptoms that can be mistaken for other medical conditions, such as hemorrhoids.
3 things women can do to avoid medical errors
As a patient who needs to undergo a surgery, you know that there is always a risk of something going wrong. While some complications are not the fault of a doctor or staff, the fact is that others are a direct result of human error. Surgical errors leave patients in pain, and they can even result in death. Sometimes patients need second surgeries to correct errors, too. What can you do to help prevent this from happening to you? Here are three tips.