When a medical error causes patient harm
As human beings, we can expect to make mistakes from time to time; these mistakes usually do not have dire consequences. However, a mistake can lead to patient harm or even death in healthcare. When their error causes patient harm, providers are devastated, which often takes an emotional toll.
The Medscape article When Your Medical Error Harmed a Patient and You’re Wracked With Guilt looks at the effects a medical error can have on physicians. Physicians often feel guilt and shame after a mistake, and they begin to question their judgment and skill. Some physicians even leave medicine, fearing they will make another serious error. Time and the support of peers can help physicians recover from the trauma of a mistake. Healthcare systems can support their providers by developing processes to address errors with transparency and accountability.