The study was published in the Journal of Oncology Practice. To find how and why adverse events happened and how to avoid future errors, researchers looked at the National Center for Patient Safety adverse event reporting database for root cause analyses related to oncology care from October 2013 to September 2017.
Some of the most common causes were a breakdown in policy or process (39.8 percent) or insufficient communication (31.1 percent). The second-most frequently reported adverse event involved chemotherapy errors.
Other adverse events included issues with radiation; outcomes of suicide during cancer diagnosis, treatment or follow-up; and other events linked to following care instructions.
Oncology-related medical errors made up over half (52.1 percent) of all reported adverse events, with about 26 percent of care delays resulting in patient deaths, the study found.
To prevent adverse events, the study authors suggest establishing cancer centers to streamline care coordination with multiple providers.
More articles on clinical leadership and infection control:
Last OHSU heart surgeon resigns days after program suspension
Poor healthcare kills 8 million people a year
3 leading causes of patient deaths after noncardiac surgery
Becker’s 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit is the top tier event that the people leading the future of pharmacy convene. This 3-day event is built specifically for Chief Pharmacy Officers and senior pharmacy leaders. The sessions examine the workforce, financial and clinical priorities shaping pharmacy today. Becker’s is where candid discussions flourish and new ideas thrive. Becker's 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit
