U.S. flag

An official website of the Department of Health & Human Services

AHRQ: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
Provide Feedback |
Submit a Case
Patient Safety Network
Search Tips

WebM&M: Case Studies

WebM&M (Morbidity & Mortality Rounds on the Web) features expert analysis of medical errors reported anonymously by our readers. Spotlight Cases include interactive learning modules available for CME. Commentaries are written by patient safety experts and published monthly.

Have you encountered medical errors or patient safety issues? Submit your case below to help the medical community and to prevent similar errors in the future.

This Month's WebM&Ms

Update Date: August 30, 2023
Have you encountered medical errors or patient safety issues?
Have you encountered medical errors or patient safety issues? Submit your case below to help the medical community and to prevent similar errors in the future.

All WebM&M: Case Studies (1)
Published Date
PSNet Publication Date
Continue Education
Additional Filters
Approach to Improving Safety
Clinical Area
Error Types
Safety Target
Setting of Care
Target Audience
Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 Results
  • 20
  • 50
  • 100
    • Misidentifying the Unidentified – John Doe and the EHR
    Christopher F. Janowak, MD, FACS, and Lauren M. Janowak, RN, BSN, CCRN| October 30, 2019
    Save to Library
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Linkedin
  • Copy URL
    • Two patients arrived at the Emergency Department (ED) at the same time with major trauma. Both patients were unidentified and were given "Doe" names. Patient 1 was quickly sent to the operating room (OR) but the ED nurse incorrectly gave him Patient 2's "Doe" name. The OR nurse only realized there was a problem when blood arrived with Patient 1's correct "Doe" name, requiring multiple phone calls with the ED, laboratory, and surgeon to correctly identify the patient.
    Back To Top
    Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy | External Link Disclaimer | RSS Feed

    Connect With Us

    Facebook Twitter You Tube LinkedIn

    Sign up for Email Updates

    Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

    5600 Fishers Lane
    Rockville, MD 20857
    Telephone: (301) 427-1364

    Submit Your Innovations