How many deaths occur each year due to medical errors?

Medical errors are a serious public health problem, and estimates of the number of deaths they cause each year vary. One widely cited study, published in the Journal of Patient Safety in 2016, estimated that medical errors contribute to 251,000 deaths in the United States each year. This number is likely an underestimate, as it does not include errors that occur in outpatient settings or in nursing homes.

Medical errors can occur at any stage of patient care, from diagnosis and treatment to surgery and medication management. Some common types of medical errors include:

* Medication errors, such as giving the wrong medication or dosage

* Surgical errors, such as operating on the wrong body part or leaving surgical instruments inside the body

* Diagnostic errors, such as misdiagnosing a disease or ordering the wrong tests

* Infection control errors, such as failing to wash hands or properly sterilize medical instruments

Medical errors can have a devastating impact on patients and their families. They can lead to death, disability, or prolonged pain and suffering. They can also cause significant financial hardship, as patients may be forced to pay for additional medical care or take time off from work.

There are a number of things that can be done to reduce the risk of medical errors, including:

* Implementing systems and procedures that ensure that patients are given the right medication and dosage

* Training healthcare professionals on how to prevent and respond to medical errors

* Encouraging patients to be active participants in their care and to speak up if they have any concerns about their treatment

Medical errors are a serious problem, but they are not inevitable. By taking steps to reduce the risk of errors, we can help to keep our patients safe.