New Survey Finds 21 Percent of Americans Report Personal Experience With Medical Errors

The vast majority of Americans are having positive experiences with the health care system, but 21 percent of adults report having personally experienced a medical error, according to a new national survey released by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement/National Patient Safety Foundation (IHI/NPSF) Lucian Leape Institute and NORC at the University of Chicago. The survey further found that, when errors do occur, they often have a lasting impact on patients’ physical health, emotional health, financial well-being or family relationships. The nationwide survey of more than 2,500 adults was conducted from May 12 to June 26. Access more information about the survey and reports.