Physician Error and the Malpractice Problem

Abstract

From experiences as the Director of Research of the Secretary's Commission on Medical Malpractice, and from the results of a study he is performing in conjunction with the Anesthesia Department of Massachusetts General Hospital, the author is reporting on the emergence of a major need for the ergonomist to direct his attention to physician performance problems. Nine problem areas are described, and examples of the types of errors that are occurring are presented. It is suggested that one of the major ways of alleviating the current medical malpractice crisis is by reducing the number of errors that physicians make.