Izzo Law Office
Google Plus Facebook
Local 315-421-1000 Free Consultations
Toll Free 315-421-1000 Contingency Fees

New York hospital introduces robots to reduce wrong drug errors

Medication errors are a huge problem in today's society. Whether it is the wrong dosage or wrong drug, medication errors occur more frequently than anyone would like. From 2004 to 2008, the error rate increased over 50 percent. Because of this, a robotic RIVA IV system is being used in several hospitals in the United States, including here in New York.

St. Barnabas Hospital has become the first hospital to use artificial intelligence in the New York City area. Some may wonder why they are taking this innovative step. Reportedly, hospital officials hope to reduce the number of medication errors that occur.

This New York City hospital is one of just 33 hospitals across the nation to use this robotic system. Medication errors via IV result in roughly 7,000 deaths every single year. In addition, these errors result in the illness of millions and cost more than $3 billion a year.

How does the robotic system work? Humans are not involved at all. Robots will sanitize all medications, fill syringes and make certain that each patient is receiving the appropriate medication.

Though few like to admit it, everyone makes a mistake every now and then. Human error is simply unavoidable, especially in the health professional field with nurses and doctors working double -- and sometimes triple -- shifts. With the robotic system, human error is thrown out the window. Contamination, fatigue and other potential reasons for illnesses and deaths related to prescription errors are reportedly eliminated.

Hopefully, this new system will reduce wrong dosage and wrong drug errors in the hospital. If it does, it may be developed for use outside of hospitals. Until then, New York residents who have suffered harm due to the negligence of a medical professional may benefit from understanding that a legal case could be possible. In many cases, an injured individual may be able to obtain compensatory and punitive damages, which will provide financial relief for the patient while punishing the medical professional for the harm that they caused.

Source: New York Daily News, "Bronx hospital opts for hi-tech robots for IV treatment to combat human error", Joey Scarborough, June 20, 2014

No Comments

Leave a comment
Comment Information