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If you're just learning (from this list) that thousands of people pass away every year due to messy handwriting on doctors' notes, you're not alone. It does sound crazy... Although now that we think about it, it might make sense.
Many of us have tried, and failed, to read what's meant to be a diagnosis and script for medication. And while jokes aplenty have been made about doctors' handwriting, it's no laughing matter.
An estimated 7,000 people suffer fatal consequences every year because of illegible scribbles on prescriptions, medical charts or notes. And according to a report by the Institute of Medicine (IOM), a further 1.5 million injuries occur annually due to pharmacists and healthcare workers misreading sloppy handwriting.
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A rather old (2005) study produced some shocking results. Three surgeons in the U.K. randomly selected operative notes from an orthopedic ward. Nurses, physiotherapists, and medical officers were then asked to rate the legibility of the notes.
Get this: only a quarter of the notes were rated as good or excellent. 37% were categorized as poor. And yes, times have moved since two decades ago, with electronic prescription systems and technology available at our fingertips, but many doctors around the world still choose to use a pen and paper to write prescriptions and notes.
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At least one expert says patients should never be afraid to ask for clarity when it comes to a badly-written doctor's note.
"Your health is worth a quick question or two, and most healthcare providers welcome the chance to ensure understanding," wrote Dr Nyandia Maina, adding that doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and patients all play a role in catching potential errors before it's too late.
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