Joint Commission Finds Medical Errors On The Rise In 2022

There are different government agencies and watchdog groups that compile statistics on medical errors in the US, and one well-respected resource reports some disturbing figures. The Joint Commission, the body that manages accreditation for health care facilities and sets standards in the medical field, recently released its Sentinel Event Data 2022 Annual Review. The data reveals that there was an increase of almost 20 percent in adverse events reported to the organization.

An adverse event is a harmful outcome caused by medical treatment, as opposed to an effect caused by the patient’s condition. It is disturbing to know that these incidents are on the rise, especially in the specific areas noted by the Joint Commission. Florida’s medical negligence law provides you with remedies if you suffered injuries from an adverse event, so you may qualify for compensation. It is wise to retain a Tampa medical malpractice attorney who will advise you on your rights, and a closer look at the Joint Commission’s report is useful.

Notable Findings from Joint Commission: A total of 1,441 sentinel or adverse events occurred in 2022, a figure that may seem low because of how health care providers report these issues. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), around 250,000 patients in the US suffer an adverse event every year and 100,000 die from the harm.

Still, other data from the Joint Commission report is useful:

• Of all adverse events reported in 2022, 44 percent led to severe temporary harm for the patient.
• In 20 percent of cases, the adverse event resulted in a patient fatality.
• The top sentinel event in health care for 2022 was falls, comprising 42 percent of all such incidents.
• Surgical errors are also a problem, with leaving a foreign object inside the patient and performing the wrong surgery at 6 percent each.
• Medication errors amount to 2 percent of all adverse events.
• Delays in treatment account for 6 percent of medical errors. 

Standard of Care Under Florida Med Mal Laws: Many adverse events constitute medical malpractice, but there are certain facts you need to prove to recover compensation. Med mal focuses on the standard of care that applies when a health care provider treats a patient. The standard varies according to the circumstances, but it generally means the level of skill, training, and care that another physician in the same field would apply. If your doctor deviates from this standard and causes harm, you may be entitled to recover losses for:

• Medical costs to treat your injuries, including surgery and hospitalization;
• Lost wages;
• Pain and suffering;
• Emotional anguish; and,
• Many other losses that affect your quality of life.

Consult with a Florida Medical Malpractice Lawyer About Your Rights

If you or a loved one suffered harm because of an adverse event or other medical error, please contact Greco & Wozniak P.A. at 813.223.7849 or via our website. We can schedule a complimentary case review at our offices in Tampa, FL. After hearing your story, a Hillsborough County med mal attorney can provide details.

Source:

jointcommission.org/resources/news-and-multimedia/newsletters/newsletters/joint-commission-online/april-5-2023/new-sentinel-event-data-available-for-2022#.ZDFPQHbMJD8