Medical errors talk timely for workers

When a national expert on patient safety said Monday that more than $3 billion was spent in the United States in 2006 because of medical errors, some Nevada Cancer Institute employees raised their hands to their mouths in disbelief.

But the bad news didn't stop there.

Sherry Martin, a fellow in clinical safety and quality at the University of Texas, revealed that "every day 250 people die because of preventable medical errors in hospitals.''

"Jeez,'' one woman said under her breath. Others just shook their heads.

Martin, who previously served as vice president for quality management at the University of Texas' M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, was invited by Nevada Cancer Institute executives to give a lecture on the current state of patient safety and quality.

Although the lecture was part of an annual series, the institute's chief executive officer said its timing couldn't have been better. Because of unsafe practices that Southern Nevada health officials believe led to six people contracting hepatitis C at the Endoscopy Center of Southern Nevada, Sandra Murdock said patient safety "is an issue that is on the top of our minds.''

Highlights of Martin's lecture included ways to recognize and correct unsafe practices.

She also identified 10 things health care professionals should know to "do no harm.''

Much of the list consisted of ways in which health care professionals could communicate better with each other and patients. Martin emphasized writing legibly, not using unapproved abbreviations, reducing telephone orders, utilizing electronic medical records and being upfront with patients about mistakes.

However, the No. 1 practice known to keep patients safe remains the proper washing of hands, Martin said. "This is 600 years old and yet, at least in our environment, it is one of the most difficult to get our arms around,'' she said.

After her lecture, Martin was asked about Nevada's current hepatitis C crisis. She called it a "surprise" and a "very unusual event.''

"I don't know all the details, but it is inexcusable,'' she said.

She said health care consumers must help ensure their own safety by being aware of their surroundings, asking questions and never taking anything for granted.

Contact reporter Annette Wells at awells@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0283.