Anesthesiologist-led protocols and wrong-sided blocks
New York patients who undergo nerve blocks in connection with a surgical procedure may be interested in knowing more about the implementation of an anesthesiologist-led protocol that could prevent a wrong-sided block from occurring. Though not as catastrophic as wrong-sided surgery, complications can sometimes be connected with the administration of a nerve block, which is also an invasive procedure.
How to improve MS diagnosis
A group of 24 researchers studied 110 patients who were misdiagnosed with multiple sclerosis to better understand the reasons why. Of those in the study, 33 percent went 10 years or longer without a diagnosis, and 72 percent took medication for a condition that they didn’t have. This is problematic because some MS medications can have serious side effects, including brain infections, on patients in New York and around the country.
Survey shows heavy reliance on inhalers for asthma patients
New York residents who suffer from asthma are likely to use rescue inhalers on a regular basis. A study by Health Union shows that people may rely too heavily on rescue inhalers, and recommends that asthma patients consider having their condition re-evaluated if they find themselves dependent on their inhalers to get through their days.
Medical errors in the emergency room
Several hundred thousand New Yorkers head to emergency rooms every year with the expectation of getting better from treatment. Unfortunately, medical errors sometimes happen in emergency room settings, resulting in permanent injuries to or the deaths of some patients. If you have been harmed by medical mistakes that happened in the emergency room, you may be able to recover damages for compensation of your losses.
New ideas may help treat breast cancer in New York
According to a European study of 6,693 breast cancer patients, it is safe to trust genetic testing when it conflicts with results from traditional testing. In some cases, the genetic test may suggest that there is a low risk of the cancer spreading while other tests say the risk is high. The study indicated that in such scenarios, women were just as likely to survive for five years compared to those who had chemotherapy.
Why medical errors occur
When New York residents seek medical care, they put a great deal of trust in their physicians. The expectation is that the doctor is the expert who will make the best decisions possible to preserve the patient’s life and health. Unfortunately, some doctors make mistakes that can have a devastating impact on a patient’s well-being.
Getting treatment for a rare disease
For many New York residents who are suffering from a rare disease, getting treatment can be very difficult. However, advocacy groups are working to get legislation passed that would help those suffering from a rare diseases to seek treatment.
Wrong patient has kidney removed
New Yorkers might be shocked to learn about a case in Massachusetts in which a doctor reportedly removed a kidney from the wrong patient. The incident reportedly occurred at St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester and is being investigated by the Massachusetts Department of Health.
Software helps prevent medication errors
New York residents may know that medication errors are a leading cause of patient harm in the United States, and that they are often fatal. To combat the problem, pharmacists are using special software to help identify these mistakes before they occur.
New tool for reducing shift-change errors in hospitals
Patients in New York may be less likely to suffer from medical malpractice related to shift changes if more hospitals begin to adopt the technology currently in use at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. According to a research letter that appeared in JAMA on Aug. 1, an electronic patient record is a useful tool in reducing errors.