Medication Errors most likely to Occur at Surgery

Beth Janicek

Attorney
(866) 735-1102 Ext 395

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A recent report revealed that medication errors are most likely to occur during or after surgery.

"Patients going under the knife face a significant risk of becoming the victim of a medical error involving medication, according to a report being released today. The report, the largest examination of medication errors before, during and after surgery, found that operations are among the riskiest times for mistakes involving drugs. The report was prepared by U.S. Pharmacopeia, a private group that sets standards for the drug industry. It has been gathering reports from hospitals nationwide about medication mistakes. Its latest report is based on data voluntarily supplied by more than 400 hospitals about medication errors from 1998 to 2005 that occurred during outpatient surgery, in preparation for surgery, in the operating room and in recovery."

The study found some of the errors lead to serious injury including death. The most dangerous mistakes occur to children and the most common drugs errors are with antibiotics and painkillers. However, the surgery itself is still more likely to cause harm.

If you or a loved one was injured as a result of a medication error, this may be medical malpractice. Please contact me if you would like to discuss your case.