An Empirical Investigation Into The Administrative Procedures Taken In Response To The Detection Of Medical Errors Within Acute Care Hospitals In Pennsylvania

Abstract

This researcher investigates the procedures taken by healthcare administrators within Pennsylvania acute care hospitals with respect to the detection of medical errors in order to provide corrective measures. In response to structured interview questions, the overwhelming majority of research participants stated that the procedures for corrective actions focused upon various training interventions as deemed appropriate by management. However, scholarly literature states that the majority of medical errors do not occur due to the lack of competence, skills, or knowledge of healthcare professionals. Thus, using training interventions to solve non-training problems may not prove effective. The outcome of the study has lead to several important implications for the healthcare industry. Lastly, further research was suggested as it relates to patient safety and the reduction of medical errors.