Seven-Step Pathway for Preventing Errors in Healthcare

J Healthc Manag. 2016 Jul/Aug;61(4):271-281.

Abstract

The Institute of Medicine's 1999 report To Err Is Human shed light on the grave consequences of medical errors and led to a substantial increase in awareness in the federal government and private sector regarding medical errors. In addition, the literature contains myriad solutions, strategies, and recommendations for dealing with this problem; however, because of their complexity and inflexibility, most cannot be implemented and are inapplicable on an individual level. This essay proposes a seven-step pathway for preventing errors-a flexible, feasible, and organized method that can be used by healthcare administrators and providers.

MeSH terms

  • Health Facility Administration*
  • Humans
  • Medical Errors / prevention & control*
  • United States