In medicine, doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses, physician assistants and pharmacist are expected to be perfect but as we know human beings are not perfect. The institute of medicine estimates that over a million deaths can be attributed to medication errors in the United States.
The shame and guilt that come with making a mistake is all consuming. The shame that makes you doubt if you are good enough to be in your chosen profession. These feelings linger for months and months, the feeling of being alone as colleagues stay away. The systems promulgate the hiding and shame of making a mistake. Even though now all health professionals are encouraged to report errors, once you are identified as having made a mistake; no one was to be associated with you. Limited communication is encouraged with the patient and communication is discouraged between colleagues.
Better communication between health professionals about medical and medication errors can help prevent similar mistakes by making others aware of what type of mistakes can be done. It can help put systems in place to prevent errors and to improve existing systems.
System wide fixes can be put in place to minimize errors including medication errors. Patients can also take steps to minimize errors by getting educated about medications, procedures and by asking a lot of questions about what procedures need to be done, what medications need to be given, side effects and possible drug interactions.
