Hospitals take action against mistakes (01/20/05)

Last update: February 15, 2006 - 10:58 AM

Knowing they would be reporting their medical errors, a number of Minnesota hospital officials say they have taken steps to avoid mistakes.

• To avoid operating on the wrong body part, the hospitals now require safety rituals, such as marking the correct spot.

• To prevent falls, hospitals are turning to technology, among other measures, to safeguard patients.

• To prevent medication errors, including overdoses, hospitals are using bar codes and special packaging of drugs so that patients get the correct amount.

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