817 Health News Update – Hospital Errors Out Of Control!

Experts acknowledge that hospital errors are way too common. But a recent study using something called the Global Trigger Tool suggests they may be far more frequent than previously estimated.
The researchers found that medical mistakes may be ten times more common than anyone ever imagined possible. This means that one out of every three hospital patients could be harmed because of an error. Patient safety researcher Christopher Landrigan will provide an overview of this important new study and what it means for patients and physicians. The photo is of Dr. Landrigan.
Hospitalized patients know they can use the call button to summon help, but sometimes it seems that it takes forever for someone to respond. That may be all right if the problem isn’t urgent, but what if it’s an emergency? Health journalist Tara Parker-Pope wrote a fascinating article about how hospitals are coming up with innovative ways to handle patient calls. She will share stories and insights.
Guests: Christopher Landrigan, MD, MPH, is Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Medicine at Harvard Medical School. He discusses an article published in Health Affairs.
Tara Parker-Pope is the Well columnist for The New York Times. Her article was published on May 30, 2011.
Listeners share their stories about health care mistakes and near misses.
The podcast of this program will be available the Monday after the broadcast date. Podcasts can be downloaded for free for six weeks after the date of broadcast. After that time has passed, digital downloads are available for $2.99. CDs may be purchased at any time after broadcast for $9.99.