Poorer outcomes occur in surgeries performed on the weekend and holidays. A recent study hopes to remedy this situation.
A “growing movement,” including both doctors and the relatives of those hurt or killed in operations, is advocating for putting audio and video recording devices in operating rooms to allow for greater transparency.
A recent Consumer Reports article describes a link between respectful treatment by health care works and fewer preventable medical errors. Unfortunately the converse is true: disrespectful doctors and nurses make more medical errors causing harm.
Recently, three top national medical systems decided to stop low volume procedures from occurring in their systems, ostensibly to increase patient safety
A new website makes it easier for the public to see what financial relationships doctors have with healthcare companies
A new analysis of data shows that, generally speaking, surgeons get better with experience. It is good practice for a patient to ask about a surgeon’s experience performing the proposed procedure, but under Washington law, surgeons have no duty to disclose the information to you in order to properly inform you of the risks of the surgery.
Virtual, remote medicine is becoming a reality. For years, offsite radiologist have been able to read and interpret radiology films remotely. Now health care institutions in the Pacific Northwest are offering clinic-like services via remote health care provider, among other services.
Surgical equipment is sometimes "left behind" inside a patient after a surgery. These objects are often difficult to find and diagnose, and can sometimes cause catastrophic harm.
The "Standard of Care" is something a jury decides, including not only evidence of how doctors in Washington state actually practice, but also what experts for both sides say is the standard.
Technology in medicine is developing rapidly. What was the stuff of science fiction just a few years ago is already becoming a reality.