Pharmacy Error Injury Lawyer Blog
A recent cyberattack on one of the nation’s largest healthcare systems, Ascension, has resulted in significant lapses in patient care, including serious pharmaceutical errors. The attack affected 140 hospitals across multiple states and locked providers out of critical systems that track and coordinate patient care. These disruptions have led to medication errors, delayed treatments, and compromised patient safety. Victims of such pharmaceutical errors should contact a Maryland pharmaceutical error attorney to understand their rights and seek justice for the harm caused.
How Do Pharmaceutical Errors Occur?
Pharmaceutical errors can occur for various reasons, often stemming from lapses in the healthcare system. In the recent cyberattack on Ascension hospitals, losing access to electronic health records and other vital systems forced healthcare providers to revert to paper documentation. This sudden shift led to confusion and errors as medical staff struggled to decipher handwritten notes and manually manage medication orders.
Medication errors can happen at any stage, from prescribing to administering drugs. Common causes include incorrect dosage, wrong medication, and failure to recognize patient allergies or interactions with other medications. In the chaos following the cyberattack, these errors became more frequent and severe, highlighting the importance of reliable electronic systems in modern healthcare.
What Are the Consequences of Pharmaceutical Errors?
Pharmaceutical errors can have devastating consequences for patients. Administering the wrong medication or incorrect dosage can lead to severe health complications, prolonged hospital stays, and even death. In the case of the Ascension hospitals, several incidents were reported where patients received incorrect doses of critical medications, nearly resulting in fatal outcomes.
For instance, one nurse reported almost administering the wrong dose of a narcotic to a newborn due to confusing paperwork. Another nurse nearly gave a critically ill patient the wrong medication because she couldn’t scan it as she usually would. These incidents illustrate how quickly patient safety can be compromised when systems fail.
How Can Patients Protect Themselves from Pharmaceutical Errors?
Patients and their loved ones can take steps to protect themselves from pharmaceutical errors. It is crucial to stay informed about the medications being prescribed and administered. Always ask healthcare providers to explain what each medication is for, its dosage, and any potential side effects. Keeping a personal record of drugs, including dosages and schedules, can help track what has been administered and avoid errors.
Vigilance becomes even more critical in situations of system failures or cyberattacks. Patients should not hesitate to ask questions and double-check any medication or treatment given. If something seems unclear or incorrect, it is essential to speak up immediately to prevent possible errors.
Seeking Legal Help After Pharmaceutical Errors
Pharmaceutical errors can result in significant harm, and victims have the right to seek compensation for their suffering. Contacting a Maryland pharmaceutical error attorney is crucial in understanding legal options and holding responsible parties accountable. An experienced attorney can help gather evidence, such as medical records and witness statements, to build a strong case.
Legal assistance ensures victims receive fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering. It also helps address the systemic issues that led to the errors, pushing for changes that can prevent similar incidents in the future.
Why Are Pharmaceutical Errors Common During System Failures?
System failures can create an environment ripe for errors. When electronic systems go down, healthcare providers must rely on manual processes, which are more prone to mistakes. The transition from digital to paper records can lead to miscommunication, lost information, and incorrect entries.
Moreover, medical staff stress and workload increase significantly during such crises. Overworked and stressed providers are more likely to make errors, especially when dealing with complex cases or critical patients. This highlights the need for robust emergency plans and training to handle such situations effectively.
What Can Hospitals Do to Prevent Pharmaceutical Errors During Cyberattacks?
Hospitals must prioritize cybersecurity and have contingency plans to handle system failures. Regular training and drills can prepare staff to manage emergencies without compromising patient care. Investing in backup systems and secure communication channels can also help mitigate the impact of cyberattacks.
Hospitals should also ensure that all staff are familiar with manual processes and that these processes are regularly reviewed and updated. Clear protocols for medication administration and cross-checks can reduce the risk of errors during system downtimes.
The recent cyberattack on Ascension hospitals underscores the critical importance of reliable systems and thorough emergency preparation. Pharmaceutical errors resulting from pharmacy errors can have life-threatening consequences. Patients and their families must remain vigilant, and those affected should seek legal assistance to protect their rights and secure the compensation they deserve.
Contact the Dedicated Maryland Injury Lawyers at Lebowitz & Mzhen to Learn More
If you or a loved one was recently injured due to another’s negligence, it’s important you take a few minutes to learn about your rights and what you can do to hold the at-fault party accountable. At Lebowitz & Mzhen, we have decades of combined experience handling all types of personal injury, wrongful death, and medical malpractice lawsuits on behalf of clients throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C. To learn mo0re and to schedule a free consultation today, give us a call at 800-654-1949. You can also connect with us through our secure online contact form.