A medical error refers to a mistake that occurs in the healthcare setting, which can lead to harm or adverse effects for a patient. These errors can happen during various stages of patient care, including diagnosis, treatment, medication administration, or surgical procedures. Common examples include incorrect prescriptions, misdiagnoses, or surgical mistakes. Preventing medical errors is crucial for patient safety and involves clear communication among healthcare providers, accurate record-keeping, and adherence to established protocols. Organizations like the Institute of Medicine and World Health Organization emphasize the importance of reporting and analyzing errors to improve healthcare practices and reduce risks.