Definitions count

Which is more important -- the Institute of Medicine's definition of a medical error or a patient's definition of a medical error? A study published in the January 2007 issue of the Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety indicates that patients may have their own definition of what constitutes a medical "error" or "mistake":

“'The study underscores that patients and clinicians can have different views of the things that constitute a medical error,'” says Dr. Burroughs. “'For patients, clear communication and responsiveness are particularly important. If these are lacking, patients may view this as a medical error. It is important that clinicians recognize these differences, and the importance of communication and responsiveness.'”

Click here for the press release on this study.