Error in Medicine

Because medical providers are socialized to strive for mistake-free practice, they often do not have effective methods for dealing with errors when they do occur. The author contends that routine medical practice ought to incorporate efficient methods for identifying these errors. These methods should include less reliance on memory, improved information access, proofing to detect errors when critical tasks are performed, using standardized processes whenever possible, and training that incorporates greater emphasis on the identification and prevention of potential errors.