Clinical Oncology and Error Reduction - 9781118749067

Medical Errors in Oncology: Research and Practice is the first book ever to combine and focus on the topics of medical errors and clinical oncology. The book begins with a well-researched section of several chapters that provides an overview of this critical issue, framing the discussion for clinical oncologists, epidemiologists, nurses, healthcare administrators, researchers, and scholars alike. This section of the book draws on expert insights from clinical medicine and a number of disciplinary fields, including history of medicine, medical sociology, medical psychology, medicine and culture, and the politics of health care. Also included are valuable and fascinating narratives case studies from patients, doctors, and family members who have experienced medical errors in clinical oncology.

The second, larger section of the book deals specifically with medical errors in clinical oncology practice, with particular emphasis on recognizing their origins (e.g., system versus individual), epidemiology and patient safety, the prevention of errors, quality improvement in treatment, and the disclosure of error. This section of the book serves as an indispensable handbook for all clinical oncologists, their staff, nurses, and oncology residents and fellows. Each of the chapters in this section include special “take home” points that highlight issues of particular clinical relevance and application.

The editors present a final chapter that considers the implications of all of the expert viewpoints presented throughout the book for next steps in clinical practice, policy, and research on the topic of medical errors in oncology.