A recent survey found that almost one-third of Americans have either experienced a medical error themselves or had a friend or relative experience one. The survey by global healthcare information provider Wolters Kluwer Health noted that 73% of respondents are concerned about medical errors, with 45 percent “very concerned” about them.
The medical errors discussed in the survey include being given the wrong medication, dosage, or treatment; over 20 percent of the survey respondents said they have been given the wrong diagnosis by their doctor. 45 percent reported having been billed incorrectly by their healthcare provider. Other findings include 18% of respondents indicating that they’ve asked a doctor or nurse to wash their hands; 66% doing their own research in confirmation of a doctor’s diagnosis or treatment plan; and 35% who felt that staff miscommunication was the top reason for medical errors.
In spite of these reported issues, 68% expressed confidence that the continued adoption of new healthcare technologies will lead to a decrease in medical errors. Electronic Medical Records systems like Medisoft Clinical, Allscripts MyWay, or McKesson Practice Choice are among the healthcare IT options that can reduce errors and increase patient care. Call Microwize Technology today for more information!