[Iatrogenesis. Individual error? System failure?]

Area of Science:

• Healthcare systems analysis
• Medical sociology
• Patient safety research

Context:

• Traditional views attribute iatrogenesis solely to individual physician error.
• This perspective overlooks systemic factors contributing to adverse medical events.

Purpose:

• To reframe medical error as a complex social omission.
• To highlight the systemic responsibilities in adverse medical events.
• To advocate for a shift in prevention strategies.

Summary:

• Medical error is redefined as a multifaceted "social omission."
• Factors beyond individual physicians, including public funding, professional training, and public education, contribute to adverse events.
• Healthcare professionals operate within a larger system, and their actions are influenced by its structure and resources.

Impact:

• Shifts focus from individual blame to systemic improvement in healthcare.
• Emphasizes the need for comprehensive strategies in preventing medical errors.
• Promotes a deeper understanding of patient safety through epidemiological study and latent error detection.