To explore the economic and patient safety consequences of errors with specimens, researchers performed a systematic review of previously published studies on the frequency of error rates, various treatment modalities and costs.
They found that out of roughly 806,000 prostate biopsy procedures performed annually in the United States, 20,300 involved a specimen switch or contamination and nearly 4,600 patients were estimated to have received a false-positive or false-negative diagnosis based on the wrong specimen.
All total, the misdiagnoses result in approximately $880 million in unnecessary healthcare expenditures each year, according to the study.
More articles on medical errors:
Blood pressure management apps could be error-prone, dangerous
What drives a patient to report a medical error?
23% of Massachusetts adults experienced a medical error, survey finds
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
