Background

Medical errors correspond to an omission or commission in planning or execution resulting in an unintended result. It is often multifactorial and may be influenced by the 5 M’s: the man, the machine, the mission, the medium and management.

Objectives

We aim to determine the medical error impact (for patients, physicians and health systems) and the most effective strategies for its prevention.

Material and methods

We conducted a literature review. We searched systematic reviews, randomized trials and observational studies about medical error impact and prevention, published in English between 2017 and 2022, in PubMed, BMJ Evidence based Medicine, TRIP Database and the Cochrane library.

Results

41 articles were used. Medical errors may cause extended hospitalization and physical disability. Patients in this situation frequently report anger and feel abandoned or betrayed by their doctors. On the other hand, the physician involved may experience anxiety, guilt and depression. Some symptoms are transitory, while others tend to persist. Organizational interventions could also be taken, including medication reconciliation, interdisciplinary collaboration and longitudinal strategies for burnout management. Additionally, technological interventions include electronic prescription, digital medical records, bar-coded medication administration and medication safety alerts.

Conclusions

Medical errors result in two victims: the patient and the healthcare professional. A multifaceted approach is necessary to prevent medical errors, with simultaneous individual and organizational measures. Only by recognizing untoward events, learning from them and working toward preventing them can patient safety be improved.