Over 500 treatment errors: Alarming results for Berlin and Brandenburg!

Over 500 treatment errors: Alarming results for Berlin and Brandenburg!

In recent months, the topic of treatment errors has repeatedly made the headlines in Germany. Current figures from Berlin and Brandenburg show that at least 505 treatment errors were identified among those with statutory health insurance in 2024. This emerges from a report by the Medical Service, which shows that treatment errors were proven in around 32.8 percent of 1,538 cases examined. What is particularly alarming is that the region is above the national average of 25 percent. RBB24 reports that in almost 29.8 percent of cases, the affected patients suffered damage to their health, which underlines the urgency of this issue.

The numbers are almost identical to the results of the previous year, in which around 3,700 treatment errors were recorded nationwide, with serious health consequences for patients occurring in 76 percent of the cases. Of particular concern are serious diagnostic errors, often involving cancer (37.8 percent), vascular events (22.8 percent), and infections (13.5 percent). These undesirable developments not only highlight the need for a better error culture in the healthcare system, but also raise questions about patient safety.

The legal framework

But what should you do if you suspect you are the victim of medical malpractice? The first step should be a clarifying conversation with the responsible doctor. According to a report by the Federal Ministry of Health Contact with the treating practice or hospital is often the key to clarification. The health insurance company also plays a central role by offering free support with claims for damages resulting from medical errors and providing the opportunity to obtain an expert opinion from the medical service.

However, the legal landscape is complicated. Patients are often forced to prove themselves that there was a mistake. In the case of gross treatment errors, the burden of proof is reversed: Here the doctor must demonstrate that his actions were not the cause of the damage. The situation is made even more difficult because the number of unreported treatment errors is high and these are not recorded centrally in Germany. Experts estimate that avoidable errors occur in around one percent of all inpatient treatments - a number that affects around 168,000 patients every year.

The demands of patient representatives

Patient representatives are increasingly emphasizing the loud demand for active reporting of serious and easily avoidable errors in hospitals. They require a transparent error culture in order to identify and eliminate weak points in the system. In addition to the introduction of standardized checklists, the dual control principle and improving working conditions for medical staff are also seen as steps to increase patient safety. After all, experience shows that between 61 and 67 percent of reported errors in nursing can be confirmed, which provides a strong indication of the need for systematic improvements in this area.

Overall, it is important that the healthcare system in Germany addresses the pressing questions of patient responsibility in order to sustainably improve the quality of medical care. The combination of preventative measures and an open culture of discussion could help regain patients' trust and significantly increase patient safety.