Wrong-Site Surgery Rates Could Be Rising Nationwide
Despite national efforts to prevent wrong-site surgeries, the problem could be worsening. Last year, 93 wrong-site incidents were reported to the Joint Commission, compared with 49 in 2004. Joint Commission President Mark Chassin said these errors have proven "more complicated to eradicate than anybody thought" because eliminating them requires changing hospital culture and ensuring that physicians collaborate and follow standardized protocols.
- "The Pain of Wrong-Site Surgery" (Boodman, Kaiser Health News/Washington Post, 6/20).