Surgical error rate close to 9%, from their own assessment!

Source: Annals of Surgery, November 19, 2009, Shanafelt, Tait D., MD, et al.

7905 members (8.9%) of the American College of Surgeons (the certifying board) reported their own concern that they made major medical errors over the course of 3 months. I am uncertain as to all of the reporting variables and whether this could be an underestimate.

The vast majority, 70% conceded the errors were personal rather than systemic or institutional issues.  Factors influencing the error rate were not much different than those which affect the rest of us at work, burnout (emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, sense of personal accomplishment) and depression.

The conclusion, not surprisingly, “Major medical errors reported by surgeons are strongly related to the surgeon’s degree of burnout and mental state.” So, while some surgeons will try to convince you that they’re God, it would appear even God has an off day.

~Posted by David Marc Schwadron, Esquire