Medication Errors Injure 1.5 Million People and Cost Billions of Dollars Annually. The extra medical costs of treating drug-related injuries occurring in hospitals alone conservatively amount to $3.5 billion a year. More than one of five Americans report that they or a family member experienced a medical or medication error. The Institute of Medicine report, which estimated that there are 44,000 to 98,000 deaths annually due to medical errors, may be the tip of the iceberg in determining the full extent of injuries from medical errors. Preventable injury from medical mistakes are costing the economy as much as $29 billion annually, of which half is healthcare costs. Even on the low estimate, medical mistakes kill more people than motor vehicle accidents 43,458; breast cancer 42,297; AIDS 16,516 The single most important way you can help to prevent errors is to be an active member of your health care team Not only are patients and families capable of actively participating in their own care, but this participation is a critical factor in helping to improve quality of care and safety The Joint Commission, together with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, launched a national campaign to urge patients to take a role in preventing health care errors by becoming active, involved and informed participants on the health care team. |The Starfish| |The Numbers| |Become a Partner| |Order Products| |Partners|