#United States #Portland #Oregon Patient Safety #Medical Harm #Patient Transparency

Research on Patient Safety in Oregon

Recent studies conducted by the Oregon Patient Safety Commission showcase alarming insights into the experiences of patients who have endured medical harm. Nearly one in three residents in Oregon has encountered such issues over the past five years. Surprisingly, fewer than fifty percent of these patients were informed of the errors made during their care, highlighting a significant gap in the communication between healthcare providers and patients.

Key Findings from the Study

The comprehensive research, in collaboration with independent firm DHM, is notable for being the first to analyze post-pandemic patient safety data in Oregon. The findings reveal that the manner in which healthcare providers respond to incidents of medical harm can profoundly influence the trust and satisfaction levels of patients and their families in the long run. Some crucial discoveries from the study include:

• - Demand for Transparency: Over ninety percent of Oregonians believe that healthcare providers are obligated to inform patients if an error occurs during treatment.
• - Need for Prompt Communication: Patients who experience medical harm expressed a strong desire for immediate notification regarding the incident, as well as an apology. However, only one in three patients reported receiving both.
• - Impact of Severity on Apologies: The study indicates a troubling trend; patients who face more severe health repercussions from medical errors are less likely to receive an apology from their healthcare providers.
• - Desire for Preventative Measures: Nearly forty percent of respondents indicated they would appreciate a response following a medical error that includes details on how similar incidents will be prevented in the future.

Despite these challenges, Oregonians largely maintain confidence in their individual healthcare providers and community-level systems.

Perspectives from the Oregon Patient Safety Commission

TJ Sheehy, the Director of Programs at OPSC, emphasized that the combination of transparency and an apology following a medical error is what patients genuinely expect. She acknowledged, "While implementing this can be tough, other studies reaffirm that providers often aim to disclose when harm has occurred."

Valerie Harmon, Executive Director of OPSC, noted that understanding and addressing these data points is crucial for real progress. She stated, "We can't rectify what remains unknown. Achieving meaningful improvement mandates the courage to scrutinize this data, listen intently to patients, and enforce changes at a system-wide level."

To facilitate these essential changes, the OPSC offers two core programs: the Early Discussion and Resolution (EDR) and the Patient Safety Reporting Program (PSRP). Both initiatives are designed to foster shared learning and enhance the response to medical harm events in Oregon’s healthcare system.

Conclusion

Medical harm is a significant issue not just for the patients in Oregon, but for healthcare systems nationwide. As highlighted in this study, the demand for clear communication and acknowledgment following medical errors is essential for fostering a culture of safety and trust within healthcare environments. The OPSC is committed to supporting patients and their families by enabling better responses when such unfortunate incidents occur. More information on the full report can be found at oregonpatientsafety.org.