The Influence Of Medical Errors

Medical errors are difficult for both patients and physicians. For patients it can be a traumatic experience, no matter what the error caused. It can also affect the patient’s view of the entire healthcare system, where they become afraid to go to the hospital or doctor’s office, and feel much safer by just ignoring whatever their medical situation may be. Even though, patients are the ones greatly affected, the emotions of healthcare professionals should not be overlooked. For many physicians, medical errors could have a wide effect on them. For example, it can affect their health, well-being, and performance on other patients (Stangierski). In 2007, a survey was done that focused on the emotional influence medical errors have on physicians in the United States and Canada (Boyle).

It was found that 61 percent had anxiety about future errors, 44 percent demonstrated a loss of confidence, 42 percent had sleeping difficulties and reduced job satisfaction, and for 13 percent of the physicians in this study, their reputation was harmed (Boyle). Other studies have suggested that medical errors can increase a physician’s risk of depression, substance abuse, suicide, and also post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)