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Medication errors are more likely to be made by depressed doctors, a new study published in the British Medical Journal suggests. As many as 98,000 people die every year as a result of such errors.
The Research
Researchers followed 123 residents at three pediatric hospitals in the United States, and 45 medication errors occurred during the study period. Depressed residents made six times the number of medication errors than residents who were not depressed.
Twenty percent of the residents suffered from depression and nearly three-quarters experienced burnout, researchers reported. However, there was no link between doctors who were burned out and an increase in medication errors.
Improving Working Conditions
The study authors said further research is needed to identify other factors that contribute to medication errors, but they also noted that more needs to be done to improve the working conditions of doctors and their mental health.
Lack of sleep and stress are among the most commonly cited reasons for medication errors from doctors. Limits on the number of hours residents may work have recently been implemented in the U.S.
(Source: HealthDay News)
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