![]() ![]() Any medical malpractice adversely affects the reputation of the institution. The health care organization is the fourth victim of a ME. Such practices result in low self-esteem, lack of confidence, and guilt in the affected member. In the worst cases, the affected person is often bullied, and peer support also is not extended. Unfortunately, support measures that can possibly help support staff are not available in a health care framework. Negligence by any member of this team could possibly lead to serious MEs. Health care support staff is an umbrella term used for clinic support staff, diagnostic staff, hospital staff, and administrative staff. Other Victims of a Medical error Health Care Support Staff: Third victim Hence, after a ME, it is important that support and help be extended to all vulnerable members of the team and not be limited to just the first and second victims. Identifying the vulnerable component of the health care framework and providing adequate support to it can possibly break this cycle and protect other members from the possible collapse. The entire health care system works as a single entity hence, if one component falls, all the others fall, creating a domino effect. This practice indicates an urgent need for a comprehensive approach that extends beyond the first and second victims to manage and reduce MEs. 6,7 However, the other stakeholders of the health care system are often neglected, thus increasing the chances of future MEs. Need to Look Beyond the “Second Victim”Ĭustomarily, the aftermath of a ME is focused on the first victim (i.e., patient and their family) and the second victim, that is, HCPs (i.e., doctors, nurses). Rather, they extend beyond and affect supporting staff, the institution, and the community. This example highlights that ill effects of MEs are not limited to patients, families, and health care providers (HCPs). The community’s faith in the nursing profession was shaken and the risks associated with the nursing profession were elucidated. ![]() ![]() 5 Moreover, the integrity of the hospital was questioned and it had to pay a hefty fine. Seven-months later, the nurse committed suicide. The nurse was refused work despite having 27 years of pediatric experience. The incident resulted in the death of the 8-month-old child the nurse was later fired. For example, in an ill-fated incident (September 2010), a critical care nurse in Seattle Children’s Hospital accidentally gave a sick baby a fatal dose of calcium chloride. Patients, their families, health care team members, healthcare organizations and management, and the community equally share the burden of the ME. 4 A ME negatively affects all stakeholders in the health care industry, creating a domino effect (Figure 1). 3 The total annual cost of measurable MEs in the United States was found to be more than $1 billion in 2009. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated that MEs are the third most common cause of death in the United States. Medical errors (MEs) are often defined as “an act of omission or commission in planning or execution that contributes or could contribute to an unintended result.” 1,2 MEs are associated with a high-rate of morbidity, mortality, and economic burden on the community. Article credit: American Journal of Medical Quality 1 –2 © Dr Samer Ellahham Figure 1: Domino effect of a medical error ![]()
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