Suspecting a Medical Error Due to Healthcare Worker Stress: What to Do Next?

When you observe a potential medical error, it's natural to be concerned, especially if you suspect the healthcare worker's stress or burnout played a role. Healthcare professionals, particularly in high-pressure environments, can experience significant stress, fatigue, and burnout, which can impact patient safety. Effective teamwork and communication are crucial for quality care, and communication errors can contribute to human failures [3]. What this means Healthcare worker stress and burnout are recognized factors that can affect performance and ethical decision-making [2, 5]. Time pressure and information overload, often present in healthcare settings, can further contribute to stress [4, 5]. Recognizing this link helps in understanding the broader context of patient safety concerns. What to observe or prepare If you suspect a medical error, carefully document your observations. Note the date, time, specific details of what occurred, and any individuals involved. Record any changes in the patient's condition following the suspected error. This factual information is crucial for clear communication with healthcare providers and the system. What not to assume Avoid making assumptions about the healthcare worker's intentions or personal situation. While stress and burnout can be contributing factors, it's important to focus on the observed event and its impact on patient care. Do not delay reporting concerns based on assumptions about the cause. When to seek help If the suspected error has led to immediate or worsening patient symptoms, or if you believe there is an ongoing risk to patient safety, seek immediate medical attention for the patient. For non-urgent concerns, follow the appropriate channels within the healthcare facility. What you can do next Communicate your concerns clearly and calmly to the appropriate authority within the healthcare system. This typically involves speaking with a charge nurse, department head, or patient advocate. Present your documented observations without accusation. Your goal is to ensure patient safety and facilitate a review of the incident. Many healthcare systems have formal processes for reporting patient safety concerns. Sources * [1] The Importance of Supportive Leadership in Advancing Patient Safety. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12591610/ * [2] Job Stress and Ethical Decision-Making Among Healthcare Workers ... https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12559238/ * [3] Interdisciplinary and interprofessional communication intervention. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10310961/ * [4] Dealing with information overload: a comprehensive review - PMC. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10322198/ * [5] Ethical Dilemmas and Legal Responsibilities in Patient Care - PMC. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12607453/ What kind of resources would be most helpful for you in preparing to report a patient safety concern?