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Costs of medical injuries in Utah and Colorado. Classic icon

Thomas EJ, Studdert DM, Newhouse JP, et al. Inquiry. 1999;36:255-264.

This study analyzed more than 450 adverse events from a representative hospital sample in order to estimate economic impact. More than half of the events were deemed preventable based on review of nearly 15,000 medical charts. Discussion includes detailed account of the study population, the types and frequency of adverse events, and the associated health care, lost wages, and lost household production costs. The authors emphasize the considerable economic consequences of adverse events, a significant portion of which remain preventable.

PubMed citation