Risk: What do tape measures and chickens have in common?
Psychologists have identified several reasons why as humans, we may make mistakes in our thought processes, even when we possess the knowledge and have the ability to think correctly.
Antibiotic prescribing: risk if you do, risk if you don’t
There has been lots of coverage in the press recently around over-prescription of antibiotics and the major global risk that resistant bacteria presents. It is now commonly cited as one of the greatest crises facing mankind, with a recent study highlighting a 40 per cent increase in antibiotic prescribing in the last 10 years.
Results risks: new technologies in practice
Those of you who have been following our risk blogs will know that MDDUS analysis of GP claims shows that the primary cause of patient harm is related to missed or delayed diagnosis. In general practice a contributory factor is often a missed, or mishandled, result.
Risk in practice: treating friends and family
It is not unusual for family and friends to ask for medical-related “favours”, often wrapped up with a degree of emotional blackmail, intended or otherwise. Generally doctors are a sympathetic group and can find such requests difficult to refuse, even in the knowledge that treating family and friends is frowned upon.
Risk Management: Sports Medicine at the Games
With the overwhelming success of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games still fresh in our minds, now is a good time to mention that the medical services provided at the Games were also heralded as the ‘best ever’ by Dr Jegathesan the Chairman of the Commonwealth Games Federation.