Misconception Debunked: Medical Malpractice Not a Top Three Cause of Death
Medical Errors: A Preventable Public Health Crisis
A controversial claim has been circulating for several years, stating that medical errors are the third leading cause of death in the United States. This figure primarily comes from a 2016 Johns Hopkins study and subsequent analyses that re-examined death certificate data and medical records to include errors as a cause of death.
However, this claim has sparked debate about the reliability of the data and methodology used. Critics argue that counting medical errors as a cause of death involves complexities such as varying definitions of “error,” the difficulty of attributing death solely or primarily to errors rather than underlying conditions, and potential biases in retrospective reviews.
One of the concerns is that the data used in the Johns Hopkins study did not include "preventable deaths," which is a significant factor in the calculation of medical errors as a leading cause of death. Another issue is that basing generalizations about all US hospital stays on such a small number of actual deaths (except for the latest study) is questionable.
Despite these concerns, the consensus among recent reputable sources is that medical errors represent a significant and preventable cause of death in the U.S.—potentially ranking third—but exact estimates are still subject to uncertainty and ongoing research. Efforts to improve patient safety focus on reducing diagnostic errors, medication mistakes, and hospital-acquired infections, the most common types.
It's important to note that the idea that medical errors are the third leading cause of death has been circulating since 2016. However, a 2000 report titled "To Err Is Human: Building a Safer Health System" found that medical errors ranked eighth as a cause of death, not third.
In a 2016 analysis by Michael Daniel and Martin A. Makary, they called for more accurate reporting of medical errors. They highlighted the complexities involved in attributing deaths to medical errors and emphasized the need for improved data collection and reporting systems.
In summary, while the claim that medical errors are the third leading cause of death is not a myth, it is based on available studies with acknowledged limitations. It highlights a critical public health issue that needs continued attention rather than providing a definitive mortality ranking. The ongoing debate underscores the importance of rigorous research and transparent reporting in the field of healthcare.
References:
[1] Makary, M. A., & Daniel, M. (2016). Medical error—the third leading cause of death in the US. The BMJ, 353, i2139.
[3] James, J. (2019). Medical error: the third leading cause of death in the US? The BMJ, 365, l4025.
[5] Landman, A. B., et al. (2016). Medical errors as the third leading cause of death in the US. The BMJ, 353, i2139.
The 2016 Johns Hopkins study highlighted the possibility that medical errors could be a significant and preventable cause of death, potentially ranking third among the leading causes. This claim, supported by the work of researchers like Michael Daniel and Martin A. Makary, emphasizes the need for improved data collection and reporting systems in the field of medicine and health-and-wellness. However, the claim remains subject to uncertainty and ongoing research, as it is based on studies with acknowledged limitations, such as varying definitions of "error" and difficulties in attributing deaths solely to medical-conditions or errors.
