Economic aspects of medical errors

Abstract

The critical problem of medical errors and the associated costs has recently been increasingly in the focus of attention of a number of world renowned experts. In the present article we review in detail and analyse the economic aspects of this problem. A methodology to assess the cost of medical errors and an algorithm for their prevention are presented. The cost of a medical error and the expenses required to avoid and prevent it are compared using graphical analysis of the prevention cost curve and the medical error compensation damages cost curve.

The Survey of Health Care Managers’ Attitude towards the Implementation of Information and Communication System for the Registration of Medical Errors

“…The social benefits from the implementation of an information and communication system for the registration and reporting of medical errors may be summarized in several aspects [26]:…”

Association of open communication and the emotional and behavioural impact of medical error on patients and families: state-wide cross-sectional survey

“…We also queried whether respondents avoided the doctors or facilities involved in the error or medical care in general (never, sometimes or always). In addition, we examined respondents’ reports of loss of trust in healthcare compared with their attitudes before the error and asked participants to report financial impacts (increased expenses or lost earnings) related to the error 26–29…”

Regional Experience in Improving the Quality and Cost-Effectiveness of Medical Care for Children with Acute Respiratory Pathology in the Rostov Region

“…В педиатрической практике возможность снижения детской смертности, а также повышения качества жизни может быть реализована за счет двух путей, а именно повышения доступности медицинской помощи и совершенствования ее качества [4]. Неоспоримым является факт, что недостаточный уровень медицинской помощи, с одной стороны, приводит к снижению показателей здоровья населения, а с другой -влечет за собой значительные материальные затраты (прямые и косвенные) медицинских учреждений [5][6][7]. Анализ литературы показал наличие различных методологий, направленных на оценку качества оказания медицинской помощи [6], в том числе с использованием технологий ВОЗ [8][9][10].…”