Improper Understanding of a Device Puts More Than 50 Patients at Risk of HIV

A nurse recruit at a NSW clinic mistakenly thought that the Accu-check Multiclix, a device used to check blood sugar levels, was designed to automatically change needles each time it was used to test patients.

Dangerously enough, this device was used between November 28^th and January 28^th on almost 50 cancer patients using only a single needle and putting them at great risk of HIV and Hepatitis.

Fear Of Legal Consequences Prevent Doctors From Discussing Medical Errors With Patients
Fear of legal consequences prevent health professionals from candidly discussing medical errors with patients, an Australian study shows.

Dr Michael Jones, chairman of the private radiology company PRP Diagnostic Imaging which manages the Gosford clinic, explained that the nurse was unaware that the equipment needed a manual needle change for each patient.

Expressing deep disappointment and regret, the clinic has sent apology letters to patients advising them to undergo blood testing for HIV, hepatitis B and C.

Stricter Resident Duty Hour Regulations to Prevent Medical Errors Recommended
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) has issued a report recommending further restrictions regarding duty hours for resident physicians and other actions to reduce resident fatigue and ensure patient safety.

Source-Medindia

Self-perceived Medical Errors Linked to Higher Levels of Fatigue, Distress in Resident Physicians
A study in the latest issue of JAMA, a theme issue on medical education has revealed that internal medicine residents reported higher levels of fatigue

Medical Errors Linked to Fumbled Handoffs
Serious medical errors in post-hospitalization medical treatment may be caused by poor communication of the outcomes of medical tests