Iatrogenic Illness on a general medical service at a University Hospital

Author(s): Gertman, P., Crescenzi, C., Anderson, J.

Journal/Book: The New England Journal of Medicine. 1981; 304:

Abstract: We found that 36 per cent of 815 consecutive patients an a general medical service of a university hospital had an iatrogenic illness. In 9 per cent of all persons admitted, the incident was considered major in that it threatened life or produced considerable disability. In 2 per cent of the 815 patients, the iatrogenic illness was believed to contribute to the death of the patient. Exposure to drugs was a particularly important factor in determining which patients had complications. Given the increasing number and complexity of diagnostic procedures and therapeutic agents, monitoring of untoward events is essential, and attention should be paid to educational efforts to reduce the risks of iatrogenic illness.

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