Reducing Medical Error: Can You Be As Safe in a Hospital As You Are in a Jet?

Authors

Lisa Sprague, George Washington University

Document Type

Issue Brief

Publication Date

5-14-1999

Abstract

This issue brief looks at the incidence of error in the health care system, opportunities for a systems-based approach to error reduction, and changes needed in health system culture and training. The lessons of human factors research are considered, with examples of their application in the aviation industry. The paper reviews some error-reduction and patient-safety initiatives undertaken by private-sector organizations and by the Veterans Health Administration.

Comments

Issue brief no. 740

Recommended Citation

Sprague, Lisa, "Reducing Medical Error: Can You Be As Safe in a Hospital As You Are in a Jet?" (1999). National Health Policy Forum. Paper 28.
https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/sphhs_centers_nhpf/28

Open Access

yes