280: Medical Errors: A Critical Issue – with Julie Siemers

March 20, 2025 |

Medical errors rank as the third leading cause of death in the United States, following heart disease and cancer. These preventable mistakes, including misdiagnoses, medication errors, and communication breakdowns, contribute to a significant number of fatalities annually. Understanding these risks and actively participating in one's healthcare is crucial and can be a matter of life and death.

The Reality of Medical Errors

Julie Siemers, a nurse with over forty years of healthcare experience, gained firsthand insight into medical errors when her parents were in an airplane accident and she had to advocate for their care from a distance. This personal experience, along with her nursing background, inspired her to pursue advanced degrees focusing on patient safety. Her research revealed that despite growing awareness, medical errors remain a persistent problem. Understanding and

Preventing Errors

Hospital safety varies considerably, and it's important to know that hospitals receive safety grades based on patient outcomes and risk factors. Websites like hospitalsafetygrade.org allow individuals to check these ratings, which range from A to F and assess 22 safety categories, including preventable blood clots and post-surgical complications.

Early warning signs of medical distress often appear hours before a major event occurs. Physiological indicators of deterioration can be evident 6 to 24 hours before a crisis. Family members can play a critical role by observing behavioral or neurological changes that healthcare providers might miss.

For example, a stroke patient with a feeding tube should never have their bed laid flat due to the increased risk of aspiration pneumonia. Medical misdiagnoses are more common than many realize, with studies suggesting that 33% of emergency room diagnoses are either incorrect or missed.. It is essential for patients to always follow up on test results and seek second opinions, especially for significant diagnoses.

While individual errors happen, many medical errors are due to systemic failures. The case of nurse RaDonda Vaught, who administered the wrong medication due to hospital system flaws, illustrates this. Investigations uncovered multiple hospital errors, including malfunctioning medication cabinets that bypassed safety measures. Alarmingly, communication breakdowns, whether between healthcare providers or between medical teams and patients, contribute to 70% of patient harm cases.

Informed patients tend to have better outcomes. The case of a man with undiagnosed sleep apnea who died from respiratory depression after being given opioids post-surgery highlights the importance of knowing one's medical history and potential drug interactions.

Patients should question, research, and advocate for their well-being. Wrong-site surgeries, although seemingly unthinkable, occur about 20 times per week in the U.S.. Patients should actively confirm the correct procedure with their surgeons before entering the operating room. Artificial intelligence (AI) is being implemented in medical diagnostics, particularly in radiology, to improve diagnostic accuracy by identifying abnormalities.

However, AI is not infallible and can produce errors, making human oversight essential. Clear communication is a fundamental way to prevent medical errors. Family members should attend doctor visits, take notes, and ask clarifying questions. The “3 P’s” approach can be helpful:

Be Present during key discussions and hospital rounds.
Be Polite, as healthcare interactions can be stressful for both parties.
Be Persistent if concerns are not addressed, escalating to higher authorities if necessary.

Discussing wishes with family and completing legal documents like power of attorney can ensure personal healthcare decisions are respected. The healthcare system faces challenges with a nursing shortage and declining competency levels, which can impact patient safety. Studies have shown a decrease in the percentage of new nurses deemed practice-ready. High patient loads and burnout contribute to nurses leaving the profession.

Taking Control of Your Healthcare

Like a ship captain navigating a journey, the doctor provides the map, but the patient ultimately steers the course. Building a network of informed individuals can empower patients to make the best choices for their health and longevity. The reality of medical errors as the third leading cause of death underscores that staying informed and advocating for oneself in the healthcare system is not just important—it’s lifesaving.

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