Medical Malpractice Occurs More at Nighttime
In the last three years there were 248,000 preventable hospital deaths in the United States. Interestingly, the most wrongful deaths due to hospital mistakes occur during the night shift. In fact, a study found that babies born late at night were 16 percent more likely to die than those born in the daytime. There are several reasons why hospitals are more dangerous at night.
First, nighttime surgery is usually emergent and there are only skeleton crews working. As a result, you are less likely to be treated by a specialist or top surgeon.
Second, fewer nurses and doctors means less experience. Since workers with seniority get the first choice of daytime positions, the night shift is often staffed with nurses, nursing assistants and lab technicians with little experience. In addition, usually less than conscientious workers find it easier to go unnoticed at night.
Finally, fatigue is a major contributor to night shift errors. Hospital staffers generally work long hours and fatigue tends to be worse at night. Researchers found that people who had worked 24-hour shifts had the equivalent performance level of someone legally intoxicated.
To best protect yourself, compare the hospitals in your area before you are admitted. In addition, you can prevent some hospital errors by asking certain questions, especially at night. Ask the name of your night nurse and insist on the same nurse caring for you throughout the night. Make note of any staffers that stand and express your concerns to him or her. Lastly, if you are uncomfortable with the care you are receiving, ask a relative or friend to spend the night with you.
