The overwhelming majority of hospitals will not admit mistakes to patients if there is little chance of patients finding out, and may not even discuss the mistakes after the patients do find out. Of course, hospitals do this to fend off the threat of lawsuits. Yet Dr. Steven Kramm, former chief of staff at the….
Continue ReadingArchives for August 2007
Cancer Panel Critiques U.S. Government for Lack of Illness-Prevention
The President’s Cancer Panel–consisting of Lance Armstrong, Dr. Margaret Kripke and Dr. LaSalle D. Leffall–says, in its new report, that the U.S. government should be doing more to promote environments and lifestyles that prevent cancer and other diseases. Part of the report’s argument is that most federal funding for cancer research goes towards genetic and….
Continue ReadingProtecting Yourself from Medical Errors
Patients often want to know what they can do for themselves to prevent medical errors. Often they feel helpless, ignorant and confused when they are seeking health care. Thanks in part to the Internet, there are now sources that remedy this situation by providing information and helpful suggestions. Many of these various suggestions boil down….
Continue ReadingHospital Infection Rates a Matter of Concern
Infections contracted in hospitals can be a serious threat to patients’ health. The CDC estimates that roughly two million patients per year develop infections in hospitals, out of which approximately 90,000 per year die. The Consumers’ Union discusses how many states have adopted laws requiring hospitals to disclose rates of patient infection, and how more….
Continue ReadingCancer Patients Face Confusing Obstacles and Inconsistent Treatment
A diagnosis of cancer puts a patient in an extremely frightening and vulnerable position. Unfortunately, there is often little aid for people in this situation. Instead, they are presented with bureaucratic hurdles and confusion about whose advice to follow. For an example, one could look at the July 29th, 2007 New York Times Magazine section….
Continue ReadingHealthcare System Disadvantages Patients with Low Literacy Levels
The ScienceDaily pointed out recently that illiterate patients are at a serious disadvantage when it comes to getting proper healthcare, even to the point of having a higher mortality rate than literate patients. Another good discussion of the topic can be found in a July 24th, 2007 essay in the New York Times Health Section….
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