Medical Errors at Minnesota Hospitals, Ambulatory Centers Increased in 2011

The number of reportable adverse events in Minnesota hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers and community behavioral health hospitals increased from 305 in 2010 to 316 in 2011, according to a report released by the Minnesota Department of Health.

Despite the increase in reportable events, the number of events resulting in serious injury or death to a patient decreased from 107 in 2010 to 89 in 2011. This is the lowest level of harm since 2007. This report relies on data released by 61 hospitals and seven surgical centers.

 



Nearly all of the increase can be attributed to increases in two categories: pressure ulcers and wrong procedures. The number of pressure ulcers rose to 141, an increase of 19 percent, while reports of wrong procedures increased by 63 percent to 26. However, healthcare facilities reported an overall reduction in falls, retained objects in labor and delivery and wrong-site surgeries/invasive procedures.

Under state law, all Minnesota hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers are required to report to the state health department whenever any of 28 serious events occurs. The 28 serious events are based on a list of adverse events created by the National Quality Forum.

Related Articles on Medical Errors:

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Number of Serious Adverse Events in Massachusetts Remain Unchanged Last Year

Pharmacists Reduce Medication Errors at Minneapolis Hospital

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