What is the 3rd most common cause of death?

Healthcare! And specifically, deaths from medical errors. What I mean by this is that the deaths ‘counted’ in these numbers (and which make headlines) are deaths that should not have happened.

It’s true. Healthcare is third leading cause of death after heart disease and cancer. Upwards of 300,000-440,000 patients every year die from medical errors.

Yesterday there was (yet again) a new report published in The BMJ (British Medical Journal) that reported more than 1 in 10 patients are harmed in the course of their medical care, and half of those injuries are preventable. These new findings come after 20 years when the Institute of Medicine (IOM) first raised the issues of medical errors causing American deaths and it appears as though not much improvement has occurred.

 What do people mean by ‘medical errors?’

A death due to medical error is one that is caused by inadequately skilled staff, error in judgment or care, a system defect or a preventable adverse effect. This includes computer breakdowns, mix-ups with the doses or types of medications administered to patients and surgical complications that go undiagnosed.

Even uncomplicated medical issues can lead to ordinary complications, especially from unneeded medical care. According to experts, Twenty percent of all medical procedures may be unnecessary. Reasons include the over prescription of medication following surgery, particularly opioids. Infections remain high and problematic.

What are hospitals doing?

How are hospitals trying to ‘fix’ this problem of avoidable medical errors? One hospital (University of Pennsylvania Medical Center) has established a “Condition H”—for HELP—so patient and families could call for help—while inside the hospital…I’m not sure about you, but this is not very comforting to me. I mean, if you need to ‘call for help’ while in the hospital, then I’m not exactly sure what the hospital is there for…(Reminds me of a time when I worked in the ER and a patient felt so abandoned after being put in a room that he called 911—from inside the ER!)

What can patients and families do?

And what can patients and families do to better prepare and educate themselves, so that the healthcare experts can do their best jobs and help you and your loved ones in the safest manner possible?

Here’s what you do:

1. Become a wise and educated consumer. Just like buying a car or dishwasher, learn everything you need to about your problem or condition.

2. Ask for a second opinion. All experts are not created equally so research doctor’s experience and ratings.

3. Go to experts who do a lot of work in the problem area you have. These people are called ‘specialists ‘and that’s what you want for a lot of problems more complex that a common flu or headache.

4. Bring along a friend, trusted adviser or advocate to take notes and talk on your behalf. This is especially important if you truly are feeling unwell.

5. Research your favorite hospital to make sure their quality scores are high and the nursing staff is highly trained and regarded. Not all hospitals are created equal either!

6. Finally, learn some more and be your own best advocate. Ask questions and don’t be intimidated or hesitant to ask questions—it is all about you after all! 

Remember, you or your loved one will have to live with the benefits and consequences of your healthcare experience so make sure you are completely comfortable with the care you are getting, the answers you are hearing and the attitudes people are displaying to you. 

Above all, healthcare providers and administrative staff should treat you with respect, dignity and compassion. At the core of good health care are people who are should ‘care’ about your ‘health.’ If that is not happening, then I say ‘walk.’

About the author: Julie Kliger is recognized by LinkedIn as a "Top Voice" in Health Care in 2015 & 2106, & 2107. She is a Healthcare ‘Strategic Realist’ who is passionate about improving health care and improving lives. She specializes in future-oriented healthcare redesign, optimizing existing operations, implementing new care models and strategic change management. She is an adviser, clinician, health system board member, speaker and author. 

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