New Mexico residents might be surprised to learn that more than 10 percent of hospitalized patients suffer an unexpected circumstance such as a preventable infection, a punctured organ or oversedation. While some patients suffer severe injuries as a result, others have died. However, a newly published handbook produced by researchers from the University of Aberdeen in Scotland may possibly help to decrease deaths associated with hospital errors.
Many hospital errors stem from a deficiency among the medical staff to work together as a team, various cognitive errors and other non-technical features associated with health professionals. Therefore, the goal of the book is to show how decision-making, communication and attentiveness among operating room staff during surgical procedures is vital to protecting the lives of patients.
The handbook, which was recently made available to surgeons, particularly identifies non-technical skills necessary for medical staff involved in surgical operations and offers a proven behavioral rating system that can be used to evaluate surgeons, anesthesiologists and scrub practitioners. Along with the team of researchers, the book’s editors worked for more than a decade to develop and test the behavioral rating system. In an effort to promote the system, they conducted worldwide workshops and presentations and collaborated with medical professionals from various hospitals in the United Kingdom
People who undergo surgical procedures put their lives into the hands of their surgeons. While they expect to receive corrective and safe medical treatment, one surgical mistake could leave them with a lifetime handicap or cost them their lives. Those who have suffered severe injuries stemming from a doctor or hospital staff error may be able pursue damages with the assistance of a medical malpractice attorney.
Source: Medical Xpress, “Making surgery safer–new book outlines non-technical skills for surgeons”, Robert Turbyne, Sept. 21, 2015
