Guest guest Posted November 17, 2005 Report Share Posted November 17, 2005 USA Leads the World ... In Medical Errors Based on a comparison of health care systems in six nations, the 2005 Commonwealth Fund International Health Policy Survey found that America led the rest in inefficient care and medical errors. Improper Treatment 34 Percent of the Time Researchers interviewed patients who had a serious condition that required intense medical treatment or had been admitted to a hospital for a condition other than a routine pregnancy. Patients in this country received the wrong medication, inaccurate or delayed test results, and improper treatment 34 percent of the time. A third of the patients polled reported higher rates of disorganized care in their physician's offices. Americans also spent more on medical expenses than those in the other countries, with more than half unable to see a doctor or take prescribed medicines. 12 Percent Spread The spread between the United States and countries with lower error rates was fairly wide, with a 12 percent difference between Britain, which had the lowest rate of errors, and the United States. The American rate was driven up by fairly frequent test and medication errors. Health Affairs November 3, 2005 News November 3, 2005 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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