Avoidable health damage Thousands of medical errors confirmed

Fewer patients became victims of medical treatment errors

In the past year, slightly fewer patients in Germany were the victims of medical treatment errors than in the previous year. Nevertheless, according to experts, patient safety must be further improved. Every mistake is one too many. Behind every complication can be heavy human fates.

Mistakes in medical treatments declined slightly

Wrong or inadequate treatments in medical practices or hospitals are not uncommon. According to an earlier report from the medical service of the Kassen-Spitzenverband (MDS), more and more patients have been affected by treatment errors in recent years. But now the number of errors found in medical treatment has fallen slightly.

The number of medical malpractices in German medical practices and hospitals fell slightly in the past year. But every mistake is one too many. (Image: Coloures-pic / fotolia.com)

Health damage due to treatment errors

Last year, the expert panels and arbitration boards of the German Medical Association made a total of 7,307 decisions on alleged treatment errors throughout Germany (previous year: 7,639).

Statistics show there was 2,213 cases of treatment errors (previous year: 2,245).

"In 1,783 cases, a treatment error / risk reconnaissance deficiency was identified as the cause of a damage to health that justified a claim of the patient for compensation (previous year: 1845)", writes the German Medical Association in a statement.

The most frequent diagnoses leading to treatment error reproaches were reported to be knee and hip joint arthrosis as well as lower leg and ankle fractures.

In 430 cases there was a treatment error / risk reconnaissance deficiency, which, however, had no causal health damage.

Every mistake is one too many

Dr. Andreas Crusius, chairman of the Standing Conference of Expert Commissions and Arbitration Centers of the German Medical Association pointed out that it is most important for patient safety "that we physicians are daily aware of our enormous responsibility and constantly remember that between healing and harm often only one narrow ridge lies ".

This applies in particular to a health care system that is increasingly influenced by treatment pressure and economic requirements.

For the survey year 2016, the Federal Statistical Office reports a total of 19.5 million cases of treatment in the hospitals. In addition, there are around one billion doctor contacts per year in the practices.

"Based on this enormous total number of treatment cases, the number of errors found is thankfully in the per thousand range," said Crusius. But: every mistake is one too many. And behind every complication could be heavy human destinies.

But there is no reason for alarmist and bastard reproaches.

What affected patients should know

It is important for patients to know what to do in case of a treatment error or whom to contact.

If a treatment error is suspected, a memory protocol of the treatment process should first be compiled and the names of the doctors and nurses involved should be noted.

The burden of proof lies primarily with the patient.

Patients can contact the Independent Patient Counseling (UPD), the expert commissions and arbitration boards of the medical associations or their health insurance; this must advise the insured in case of suspected treatment errors. (Ad)