Survey Shows Increase in Medical Errors Affected by Recession

A survey by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices shows that cutbacks due to the recession may be a contributing factor to medical errors.

The survey results show that many healthcare professionals are feeling short-staffed, and as a result, they are unable to participate in educational activities and feel too rushed to perform safety-focused activities such as double-checks on medication orders.

The increase in errors is also attributed to cutbacks in medication safety officer positions, where remaining staff cannot cover multiple units or facilities.

The full findings of the survey can be found here:
http://www.ismp.org/Newsletters/acutecare/articles/20100114.asp.


Source: Institute for Safe Medication Practices