America's Secret Pandemic: Preventable Medical Errors
William Hoyes has presented an informative and comprehensive review of the many facets related to medical errors. He has done his homework in compiling a variety of statistics to support his claims. It is unfortunate that this human error is compounded by greed, deception, and a lack of concern for the welfare of others. Congratulations on not only pointing out the problem but actually putting a comprehensive plan in place. I can t wait for the book to be published to incorporate into the nursing curricula! --Dr. Diane Whitehead, Associate Dean Nursing, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FLAt last we have an outstanding call to action fix the nation s worst healthcare secret! Nearly a million deaths annually are caused in the U.S. by preventable medical errors. This outrageous pandemic is an ethical atrocity that contaminates all political affiliations. Financial incentives across U.S. healthcare have very dirty hands in this crisis, perpetrating a perverse system that weighs lives against profits. Astoundingly, there is a straightforward and time-tested solution. But its implementation demands a public rage to be energized the healthcare establishment appears just too complicit to make the simple fix. Read this soul-searching book, demand action, and reach for the remedy that is so readily within our nation s grasp! --Professor Gerard Magill, Ph.D., Vernon F. Gallagher, Chair, Center for Healthcare Ethics, Duquesne UniversityWilliam Hoyes has presented an informative and compre-hensive review of the many facets related to medical errors. He has done his homework in compiling a variety of statistics to support his claims. It is unfortunate that this human error is compounded by greed, deception, and a lack of concern for the welfare of others. Congratulations on not only pointing out the problem but actually putting a comprehensive plan in place. I can t wait for the book to be published to incorporate into the nursing curricula! --Dr. Diane Whitehead, Associate Dea n of Nursing, Nova Southeastern UniversityAmerica s Secret Pandemic Preventable Medical Errors presents abundant and relevant data to show that there is a great need for systematic reform in the way in which healthcare professionals ap-proach monitoring and reporting medical errors. The book defines types of medical error not just medication errors that seem to be endemic in our healthcare system. It repeatedly focuses on the cost of medical errors that specifically impact patients, as well as to the system in totality. The author makes a solid case for non-punitive ways of combating mistakes and advocates for more pub-lic awareness of the problem. The points are made in plain language that emphasizes the message clearly. To use a hackneyed phrase, It is a must read for all those who believe we can make the U.S. healthcare system both effective and safe. --Ruth R. Stiehl, Ph.D., R.N., Vice President, Quality Management, PPR Healthcare Staffing, Jacksonville Beach, FL