How case managers can help reduce medical errors.

Abstract

Although mistakes are inevitable, even in the best-run organizations, the tools used for care coordination--such as clinical pathways, standing order sets, algorithms, and other "point of care" reminders--are among the most important weapons in the fight against medical errors in hospitals. For example, establish maximum doses for high-risk drugs, and incorporate these criteria into pathways or standing orders. Preprinted order sets and protocols allow staff to focus their attention on relevant patient care issues, rather than spending time rewriting orders and possibly introducing errors into the system. Case managers can be particularly effective in helping other caregivers catch and correct mistakes before the patient is harmed.