What's Happening?
Prof. Mayer Brezis, a nephrologist and former director at Hadassah-University Medical Center, has highlighted cultural barriers as significant obstacles to patient safety in medical institutions. His grandson, Amit Brezis, died due to a missed heart defect
that could have been detected with pulse oximetry at birth. This screening, which reduces infant mortality by a third, was not universally adopted in Israel until recently. Brezis argues that fear of legal consequences and institutional defensiveness prevent healthcare organizations from acknowledging and learning from errors, perpetuating a cycle of repeated mistakes.
Why It's Important?
The case underscores the critical need for transparency and accountability in healthcare systems to prevent medical errors, which are a leading cause of death globally. The reluctance to admit mistakes and the focus on procedural quantity over quality can lead to preventable tragedies. Implementing mandatory screenings like pulse oximetry can significantly reduce undiagnosed conditions, improving patient outcomes. This situation calls for a cultural shift in healthcare towards embracing responsibility and learning from failures to enhance patient safety.
