How many people die from “medical errors” in hospitals each year? It’s tough to pin down a clear answer. The term “medical errors” covers a wide range of issues, from surgical mistakes to equipment failures and infections. Estimates suggest that between 22,000 and nearly 100,000 patients fall victim to these errors annually, according to research from the National Institutes of Health and the National Academy of Medicine. That’s like a couple of large planes crashing every day, a startling comparison made by Dr. Frank Filipetto, former dean of the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Why isn’t this issue receiving more attention? Many don’t realize that, if “medical error” were counted, it might rank as the third leading cause of death in the U.S. Common factors contributing to these errors include heavy workloads, understaffing, lack of communication, and poor organizational structure.
Despite the widespread impact of medical errors, few medical schools are addressing the problem effectively. However, UNT Health in Fort Worth has taken significant strides. Since 2019, they’ve offered a Certified Professional in Patient Safety course. Patricia A. McGaffigan from the Institute for Healthcare Improvement praises UNT Health for its leadership in this area, saying it sets a standard for others to aim for.
The course is comprehensive, featuring self-assessments, interactive sessions, and practical assignments. It focuses on critical aspects of patient safety, including hospital culture and risk management. With over 8,000 individuals worldwide holding this certification, around 1,400 are alumni of TCOM.
Dr. Filipetto believes it’s vital to prepare future healthcare professionals with the right tools. He points out that earlier generations of doctors, including himself, received little training about patient safety. “We didn’t learn about safety science,” he notes, stressing the importance of understanding how systems can fail patients.
Dr. David Mason, assistant dean at TCOM, adds that fostering a culture of safety is key. “We need to empower all healthcare workers to protect patients,” he explains. Encouraging staff to speak up about errors is essential for improving systems.
The focus on patient safety extends beyond a short course. TCOM has worked to embed these principles throughout its educational model. The feedback from current and former students shows its effectiveness. For example, Kristen Miguel, a TCOM third-year student, shared how her training helped her create a backup plan for a rural clinic struggling with power outages. “It changes how you interact with everyone in the facility,” she says, highlighting the importance of collaboration.
Leading the charge in patient safety, UNT Health plays a crucial role in helping vulnerable rural communities. McGaffigan underscores the significance of creating new healthcare leaders who can anticipate risks and drive change.
Overall, addressing medical errors is a complex challenge that requires comprehensive training and a cultural shift within healthcare. The focus on patient safety at institutions like UNT Health is a promising step forward in reducing these preventable tragedies.
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