Preventions of Medical Errors

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the Scope and Impact of Medical Errors: Discuss the prevalence and consequences of medical errors on patient safety, healthcare outcomes, and healthcare costs.
• Define Key Terminology: Explain the meaning of "error" and related terms, such as "adverse event," "sentinel event," "near miss," and "latent error," according to established definitions like the Institute of Medicine's (IOM).
• Identify Common Types and Causes of Medical Errors: List the most frequent sources of medical errors, including medication errors, diagnostic errors, and procedural errors, and describe contributing factors that increase the risk of these errors.
• Apply Root Cause Analysis (RCA) to Incident Investigation: Explain the concept of root-cause analysis and demonstrate how it can be used to investigate adverse events, identify underlying causes, and implement preventive measures.
• Implement Strategies to Enhance Patient Safety:
  • Promote a Culture of Safety: Describe the importance of fostering an open and fair safety culture where all staff feel comfortable reporting errors and near misses without fear of retribution.
  • Improve Communication and Teamwork: Explain strategies for enhancing interprofessional communication, such as using standardized tools (e.g., SBAR), active listening, and promoting collaboration among healthcare teams.
  • Utilize Technology to Reduce Errors: Discuss how technology, such as Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and computerized physician order entry (CPOE) systems, can be leveraged to prevent medication errors and improve patient identification.
  • Standardize Processes and Utilize Checklists: Describe how standardized protocols and checklists can reduce variability in care and prevent errors, especially in areas like surgical safety and infection control.
  • Educate and Empower Patients: Explain the importance of engaging patients and their families in their care, including providing clear information about medications and treatment plans, to improve safety.
  • Address High-Risk Situations: Identify common behaviors and situations that create high risk potential for errors and describe actions to take to prevent them.
• Understand Legal and Reporting Responsibilities: Describe the responsibilities related to legally mandated reporting of medical errors.
• Participate in Incident Reporting and Analysis: Explain the process and importance of reporting medical errors and near misses to facilitate learning and improvement.

Accreditation Statement for DOCME programs:

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA). The Mississippi Osteopathic Medical Association (MOMA) is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) to provide osteopathic continuing medical education for physicians.

Disclosure:  

Dr. Darrel Lovins has no actual or potential conflict of interest in relation to this program or presentation. 

Grievance Statement:

All grievances may be directed to MOMA's Executive Director at info@moma-net.org. All grievances will receive an initial response within 30 days of receipt.  If the participant does not receive a satisfactory response, they can submit a complaint to the Bureau of Osteopathic Education of the AOA at 142 East Ontario Street, Chicago, IL 60611