The emergency room (ER) is a critical environment where time-sensitive decisions often mean the difference between life and death. While most medical professionals are skilled and dedicated, the high-pressure nature of the ER can lead to errors.
In fact, a report from the American Medical Association (AMA) shows that in 2022, almost one-third (31.2%) of healthcare providers reported that they had previously been sued for negligence or error.
These mistakes, whether due to human error, systemic issues, or resource limitations, can have severe consequences for patients. Understanding the common mistakes made in the ER helps patients and families recognize the potential risks of medical malpractice and advocate for safer care and justice for victims.
Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis
One of the most common mistakes in the ER is misdiagnosing or delaying a diagnosis. Healthcare professionals who work in emergency rooms face enormous pressure to diagnose and treat patients as quickly as possible, often with limited information.
This pressure can lead to errors, particularly when symptoms are vague or overlap with multiple conditions. For instance, chest pain might be misinterpreted as heartburn rather than a heart attack, or a severe headache could be dismissed as a migraine when it’s actually a sign of a stroke.
Delayed diagnosis is another issue. In busy ERs, patients with subtle or less obvious symptoms may not receive timely evaluations. Delays can escalate minor issues into life-threatening conditions or wrongful death.
Medication Errors
Another common ER error is administering the wrong medication or incorrect dosage. This often stems from a number of factors, including:
- Lack of communication among staff members.
- Misreading or misunderstanding handwritten prescriptions or notes.
- Confusing similar-sounding drug names for one another.
Errors in dosages or improperly prescribed medications cost approximately 7,000 to 9,000 lives each year, according to the National Library of Medicine (NLM).
Failure to Monitor or Follow Up
The focus of an emergency room is typically on stabilizing patients rather than providing long-term care.
Unfortunately, this fast-paced short-term focus can result in medical mistakes if patients who still need monitoring are discharged too quickly or without critical follow-up instructions.
For example, a patient with a concussion might be sent home without thorough instructions for monitoring symptoms that could be signs of a traumatic brain injury. A lack of follow-up like this can have devastating effects if the warning signs aren’t clearly communicated.
Poor Communication
Communication breakdowns are a significant source of errors in the ER. This issue can manifest in several ways:
- Miscommunication between staff members.
- Poor communication between medical providers and patients or families, leading to misunderstandings about treatment plans or next steps.
Patients in the ER are often stressed, in pain, or overwhelmed, which makes clear communication even more critical. A doctor or nurse who fails to explain a diagnosis or treatment thoroughly might leave patients confused about their care.
Mismanagement of Test Results
BMJ Quality & Safety reports that an estimated 795,000 patients suffer fatalities or are permanently disabled due to diagnostic errors each year.
The fast-paced nature of the ER means diagnostic tests such as blood work, X-rays, or CT scans are often ordered to confirm or rule out various possible conditions. Mistakes can occur if the test’s results are misinterpreted, overlooked, or delayed.
For instance, a radiologist might miss a fracture on an X-ray, leading to untreated injuries. Similarly, if test results are delayed, patients may be discharged without the information necessary to ensure proper care.
Overcrowding and Lack of Resources
Overcrowded emergency rooms are a growing problem that contributes to errors. This was made frighteningly clear during the COVID-19 pandemic.
When staff are stretched too thin, they may struggle to make sure that each patient gets the attention they need and deserve. This strain increases the likelihood of oversight, particularly during peak hours or in facilities that have limited resources.
Patients in crowded ERs may experience longer wait times, increasing the risk that their condition worsens before being evaluated. Additionally, resource limitations can lead to shortcuts in care, such as skipping non-essential diagnostic tests that might reveal critical information.
Failure to Identify Life-Threatening Conditions
Emergency room staff are trained to prioritize life-threatening conditions. However, they may occasionally miss or downplay symptoms of severe issues, especially if a patient’s presentation is atypical.
Conditions like sepsis, heart attacks, or strokes don’t always present with clear symptoms. If a healthcare professional fails to order appropriate tests or doesn’t investigate symptoms thoroughly, critical conditions can go unnoticed until it’s too late.
Emergency rooms are vital in providing lifesaving care, but because of the high-pressure nature of these environments, the risk of mistakes increases.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of an emergency room mistake or negligence that led to injury or worsening of your condition, our qualified personal injury attorneys at Prochaska, Howell & Prochaska LLC are ready to help you seek justice and fair compensation.
