ABSTRACT
ICU errors can take many forms, including medication errors, diagnostic errors, communication errors, equipment malfunctions, and procedural errors. Medication errors can occur when the wrong medication or the wrong dosage is administered to a patient, leading to adverse drug reactions. Diagnostic errors can occur when a condition is misdiagnosed or when a diagnosis is delayed, leading to incorrect or delayed treatment. Communication errors can occur when important information is not conveyed or when there is a breakdown in communication between healthcare providers. Equipment malfunctions can occur when equipment fails or is used incorrectly, potentially leading to harm. Procedural errors can occur during medical procedures, such as intubation or central line placement, leading to complications or adverse events. Preventing ICU errors requires a multifaceted approach, including the use of technology, standardization of procedures, effective communication, and ongoing training and education for healthcare providers. Hospitals can also implement quality improvement initiatives to identify and address errors when they occur, as well as strategies to reduce the risk of errors in the future. Overall, ICU errors are a serious concern for patients, healthcare providers, and hospitals, and efforts to prevent and reduce these errors are critical to improving patient outcomes and ensuring high-quality care.
The aim of this chapter is to present real cases about the emergency department errors and problems, which could help medical and health students, identify the root causes, contributing factors, and possible solutions to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
