Medical errors: necessary fallibility!
In my last blog I highlighted the case of a missed lung cancer diagnosis where several GPs in the same practice failed to appreciate the potential seriousness of the presenting symptoms, leading to a delayed diagnosis, and ultimately a hastened death.
Prescribing errors: short term and long-term risks
Prescribing errors constitute one of the top risk areas for general practice and account for 13 per cent of all GP claims reported to the MDDUS. The average cost of these claims is more than £12,000 and the harm caused by a misprescribed or unmonitored medication can be serious and long lasting.
Almost one in 10 trainees are bullied
NEARLY one in 10 trainee doctors have been bullied at work, according to a report by the General Medical Council.
Performance data for thousands of surgeons published
MORTALITY rates and other outcome data for 5,000 NHS surgeons in England are being published online as part of a drive towards greater transparency.
Reminder over counterfeit dental equipment
DENTISTS are being reminded of the risks of buying counterfeit dental equipment.
Lessons from aviation
PLACES are available at MDDUS-sponsored master class events being run by risk specialists Terema – a group of aviation and healthcare professionals who have adapted techniques in Crew Resource Management (CRM) to an NHS setting.
Surgical training “should be provided in 48 hour week”
TRAINEE surgeons should not have to opt out of the European Working Time Directive to receive enough training, according to the president of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.
Big drop in trainee whistleblowing amidst anonymity fears
THE number of trainee doctors raising concerns about patient safety has fallen sharply this year after the General Medical Council warned it could not guarantee anonymity.
Communication problems key for overseas doctors failing MRCGP
COMMUNICATION difficulties are a key factor behind higher failure rates amongst overseas doctors in the membership examination of the Royal College of General Practitioners (MRCGP), according to new research.
Returning to work?
If you currently have deferred MDDUS cover, it is important that you apply to restore cover in ample time before you return to clinical practice.