A doctor has shared an experience of making a medication error, which they attribute to cognitive overload after a demanding day. The error, involving an incorrect dosage, was identified and corrected by an attentive pharmacist, ensuring no patient was harmed.
The doctor had managed an outpatient cancer clinic and conducted inpatient rounds on a busy medical unit, caring for 30 patients with varied and complex needs. These ranged from young individuals with disabilities and mental illness to elderly patients with conditions like organ failure and dementia.
The experience led the doctor to conclude that the mistake was a result of cognitive overload, rather than factors like poor sleep or slipping attention. They noted the challenge of prioritising competing needs among numerous patients.
The article suggests that the issue extends beyond staffing levels, pointing to a healthcare system where nearly half of inpatients could potentially be managed in community settings. It advocates for a different approach to healthcare, with care delivered in appropriate settings by the right professionals.