A recent study suggesting that medical error is the third leading cause of death in the U.S. made headlines. But the methods researchers used to draw this conclusion are flawed.
We need to think about the environment that allowed the error to occur.
from www.shutterstock.com.au
In Australia, estimates suggest undesired harmful effects from medication or other intervention such as surgery occur in around 17% of hospital admissions. But blaming the doctors won't help.
Late 19th century lithograph by French artist Gaston Mélingue showing Edward Jenner vaccinating a boy on May 14, 1796.
Wikimedia Commons
The principle of prevention being better than the cure is at the heart of public health and social marketing efforts such as immunisation. But not everyone agrees and the challenge is how to address disagreement…
A growing number of adverse events are reportedly linked to the consumption of energy drinks, such as Red Bull.
Nattu/Flickr
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating a series of deaths reportedly linked to the consumption of energy drinks and shots. The investigation comes amid a growing number of reports of…
The community should look after the few unfortunate casualties of highly successful immunisation programs.
Sarah Gilbert
Reports on people suffering an adverse reaction to immunisation focus on the suffering of one over the safety of many. But immunisation benefits the whole community so we should all bear responsibility…