Iatrogenic Illness on a General Medical Service at a University Hospital

TLDR

Monitoring untoward events is essential amid increasing diagnostic complexity, and education should reduce iatrogenic risks. Among 815 patients, 36% experienced iatrogenic illness, 9% had major events threatening life or causing disability, 2% contributed to death, and drug exposure was a key factor.

Abstract

We found that 36% of 815 consecutive patients on a general medical service of a university hospital had an iatrogenic illness. In 9% of all persons admitted, the incident was considered major in that it threatened life or produced considerable disability. In 2% 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.