The increasing complexity of healthcare services unfolds unprecedented dynamics that contribute to medical errors profoundly. While cutting-edge innovation, highly trained personnel, and other resources continue to revolutionize the healthcare system, errors of omission, context, communication, and diagnosis still occur. Melnyk et al. (2021) assert that medical mistakes rank as the third fatal factor in the United States, which leads to approximately 250000 deaths annually. Medical errors range from wrong medication administration to injuries or infections resulting from negligence or faulty medical equipment. Diagnostic errors coupled with miscommunication between staff and patients result in various adverse outcomes like decreased treatment adherence, poor patient outcomes, and even death. Following the case of Louise Batz, technology, medical knowledge and teamwork largely affect patient safety (Sharp, 2014). For one, poor teamwork and inadequate knowledge lead to ineffective communication resulting in delayed treatment and misdiagnosis. Likewise, the technology gap between IT (information technology) and EHR (electronic health records) components could lead to medical mistakes. The imperative to delivering quality healthcare recognizes patient safety as a key driver.
Healthcare professionals play a central role in building a unified patient experience and providing personalized services. However, human factors in healthcare primarily optimize the relationship between patients and providers to proactively design systems, tools, and environments to minimize errors and improve overall performance. Patient and family involvement in healthcare means shared decision-making in treatment methods and medication, minimizing care barriers, plus delivering personalized and continuous care (Doekhie et al., 2018). A good relationship between patients, their families, and providers enhances the care plan, improving treatment outcomes and patient safety. The Louise H. Batz Patient Safety Foundation’s ideals focus on preserving patient dignity, including advocacy and individualized care. Healthcare outcomes improve significantly when caregivers involve patients and their families in ensuring quality care.
References
Doekhie, K. D., Strating, M. M., Buljac‐Samardzic, M., van de Bovenkamp, H. M., & Paauwe, J. (2018). The different perspectives of patients, informal caregivers and professionals on patient involvement in primary care teams. A qualitative study. Health Expectations, 21(6), pp.1171-1182.
Melnyk, B.M., Tan, A., Hsieh, A.P., Gawlik, K., Arslanian-Engoren, C., Braun, L.T., Dunbar, S., Dunbar-Jacob, J., Lewis, L.M., Millan, A. and Orsolini, L. (2021). Critical care nurses’ physical and mental health, worksite wellness support, and medical errors. American Journal of Critical Care, 30(3), pp.176-184.
Sharp C. (2014).The story of Louise H. Batz from Tragedy to Hope. [Video]. YouTube.