Findings from an AAFP research study of medical errors revealed that, while significant physician harm to patients was rare, consequences for patients and physicians’ offices were common.
FP Nancy Elder, M.D., M.S.P.H., of Cincinnati will present the study results, which describe the types and frequencies of lab and X-ray test processing errors reported by family physicians and staff, at the Institute for Quality in Laboratory Medicine’s inaugural conference April 28 - 30 in Atlanta. Elder is the Academy’s representative to the IQLM, a public-private partnership organization charged with improving the use of lab tests and services.
FP to Present Preliminary Findings on Lab Safety and Medical Errors
By News Staff
3/4/2005
This story first appeared in the March 4, 2005, AAFP Direct.
Elder’s presentation, “Errors in the Testing Process in Primary Care: A Report From the American Academy of Family Physicians’ National Research Network,” is one of four chosen as a 15-minute platform presentation out of 60 applicants.
Eight family medicine practices -- all participants in AAFP’s National Research Network -- took part in the study.
According to the study abstract, physicians reported “anything that happened in my practice that I do not want to happen again.”
Participating practices reported 661 events. Some 273 events with 433 separate errors have been analyzed, including:
Eight family medicine practices -- all participants in AAFP’s National Research Network -- took part in the study.
According to the study abstract, physicians reported “anything that happened in my practice that I do not want to happen again.”
Participating practices reported 661 events. Some 273 events with 433 separate errors have been analyzed, including:
- 90 ordering errors,
- 78 tracking and return errors,
- 34 response and documentation errors,
- 77 charting and filing errors, and
- 20 computer errors.
The remaining errors fell into three categories: communication, knowledge and treatment.
The practice reports also included information about harm and consequences. Adverse patient consequences included:
The practice reports also included information about harm and consequences. Adverse patient consequences included:
- 47 delays in care,
- 30 reports of patient emotional problems,
- 15 reports of patient physical problems, and
- four reports of financial problems for patients.
No patient harm was indicated in 139 reports.
Researchers in the study include others working with the AAFP Research Network, as well as staff members of the AAFP’s Robert Graham Center in Washington.
Researchers in the study include others working with the AAFP Research Network, as well as staff members of the AAFP’s Robert Graham Center in Washington.
