Medical errors are unintended outcomes that can result in patient harm.  Sometimes bad things happen because of negligence or intentionally unsafe acts, and in those cases we have to hold individual practitioners and facilities accountable.  However, the vast majority of medical errors occur as a result of "systems" problems, a series of events involving many people performing different functions in complex health-care settings.

The potential for errors is much greater today than it was a century ago due to the combination of human factors, high-tech electronic equipment and sophisticated, often dangerous, medications and procedures.  But we can reduce medical errors by identifying where mistakes might happen before they actually occur.

While the Patient Safety Authority works with hospitals, free-standing ambulatory surgical facilities, and individual providers like physicians, nurses, pharmacists and technicians to prevent medical errors, there are also steps patients can take to assure quality care.  After all, as a consumer of healthcare, you should become more involved in your healthcare by asking questions, becoming informed, and advocating for yourself and your loved ones.