User:Tgaunt

Medical errors are the third leading cause of death in the United States according to one reference Dr. Manary from John Hopkins hospital. A total of about 250,000 deaths a year are caused by medical errors that could have been avoided (Dr. Manary). Some medical errors include, patients medical records being scattered between hospitals, doctors and, other institutions that the patients get treated at (Crane, 2007). Communication is key when different institutions are trying to get medical information about a patient (crane, 2007). lastly, the patient is getting the right care at the right time (Crane, 2007).

When a patients record is not up to date or does not have all the information it is hard for a doctor to know all a patients allergies, recent testing, family history, a patients history. This can lead to medical errors. A doctor can give a patient the wrong medication that the patient is either allergic to or even medication that could hurt a preexisting condition. By being able to communicate with the patient and other institutes it allows for decreased medical errors. By good communicate between parties it allows for right diagnoses and treatment plans for the patient. This also allows for the patient to get the right care in the right way.

Having the right treatment and diagnoses as soon as possible allows patients to get better soon without complications. Medical errors cause unnecessary deaths. Healthcare informatic technology has improved medical records, communication, and right care at the right time. This improved the above by allowing a place to put all patients record into one data base this give doctors the tools and information to correctly treat and reduce medical errors. also, giving a place for doctors communicate with other doctors to get the necessary background on patients has improved medical errors. Lastly, being able to have all the information, communication tools in one place patients can get fast and efficient treatment. Fast and efficient treatment is the number one way to decrease medical errors in the health field.