Medical Malpractice Attorneys Report on AMA Study Linking Medical Errors to Electronic Records

By Joe Messa

Jan 26

Medical malpractice attorneys report on findings based on a patient safety study conducted by the American Medical Association (AMA) over a 10-year period that show that safety problems are indeed prevalent. The study, Research in Ambulatory Patient Safety 2000-2010: A 10-Year Review, specifically examined ambulatory (outpatient) care.

The report cited the use of electronic health records (EHRs) as a key potential cause of medical errors. Medical professionals often copy and paste patients’ health information into electronic systems used to store EHRs, eliminating the opportunity to assess the individual’s medical history and make decisions based on analyzing that information. Likewise, not all systems work well together and software problems can causes glitches leading to mistakes in records. There is also the chance of data entry errors which may also cause harm to patients if they are treated based on incorrect information entered in error.

American Medical Association Study Cites the Top Six Errors in Outpatient Care

According to the 10-year AMA patient safety study, there are six common errors that occur in outpatient care. These errors frequently lead to hospitalizations, complications, minor physical harm, psychological harm, lost patient pay, physical injury, and death, according to the study.

  • Medication errors such as prescriptions for incorrect drugs or incorrect dosages.
  • Diagnostic errors such as missed, delayed and wrong diagnoses.
  • Laboratory errors such as missed, delayed and wrong diagnoses.
  • Clinical knowledge errors such as knowledge, skill and general performance errors on the part of physicians and other clinicians.
  • Communication errors such as doctor-patient communication errors, doctor-doctor communication errors or other miscommunications between parties.
  • Administrative errors such as errors in scheduling appointments and managing patient records.

Medical Malpractice Attorneys in Philadelphia and New Jersey

The Philadelphia medical malpractice attorneys at Messa & Associates are experienced at handling cases involving medical malpractice that result in serious or catastrophic injuries. Our extremely skilled team of New Jersey and Philadelphia medical malpractice attorneys and medical experts is dedicated to ensuring you receive proper compensation for your personal injuries. If you or a loved one has suffered personal injuries as a result of a medical error or any other type of negligent care received by a medical provider, contact the medical malpractice attorneys of Messa & Associates for a free consultation. Call, toll free, at 1-877-MessaLaw, or submit a free online inquiry.

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About the Author

Joseph L. Messa, Jr. is the founding partner of Messa & Associates, P.C. He is an AV-rated attorney (highest rating available), listed in the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers. Read More