Medical errors are mistakes that occur in healthcare settings, which can lead to harm to patients. These errors can happen during diagnosis, treatment, or medication administration. Common types include misdiagnosis, incorrect medication dosages, and surgical mistakes. Such errors can result from miscommunication, lack of information, or system failures.
Preventing medical errors is crucial for patient safety. Healthcare providers use various strategies, such as double-checking medications and improving communication among staff, to reduce the risk of errors. Organizations like the Institute of Medicine emphasize the importance of creating a culture of safety in healthcare to minimize these incidents.
