Digest This: Medical mistakes, costly errors
Hospitals say they want workers to speak up when something goes wrong. But, patient safety advocates say the overhaul debate in Washington has been nearly silent on the potential to save lives — and money — by making health care safer.
Digest This is a weekly, hour-long online discussion hosted by WHYY’s Health and Science team. Join us every Tuesday at noon. Log in at lunchtime to pose questions to experts and our reporters, voice opinions, and connect to people with similar concerns.
THIS WEEK’S TOPIC: Medical mistakes, costly errors
Ten years ago, the landmark report “To Err is Human” alerted Americans to the death toll and financial costs of preventable medical errors. Now, health officials are keeping better track of serious problems. Hospitals say they want workers to speak up when something goes wrong. But, patient safety advocates say the overhaul debate in Washington has been nearly silent on the potential to save lives — and money — by making health care safer.
When: 12:00 noon Tues, November 17th.
Where: Right here. Click the blue button in the right sidebar to review an archive of the chat.
Moderator: Taunya English
This weeks guests:
Clifford A. Rieders, Esquire is a patient safety advocate and medical malpractice attorney practicing in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. As president of the Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association, Rieders pushed for the creation of the Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority. He has served on the patient-safety board since 2002.
Pamela A. Braun, RN, MSN, is the director of Patient Safety Programs for the The Health Care Improvement Foundation. The foundation is a coalition of Southeastern Pennsylvania groups focused on health care safety in patient care, environmental practices and disaster preparedness.
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