Exploring the Impact of Highly Publicized Criminal Prosecution of Medical Errors

• In Event: Poster Session

Abstract

RaDonda Vaught, a former Tennessee nurse, was criminally prosecuted and convicted of gross neglect and negligent homicide on March 25, 2022, for administering the wrong medication. She faces up to eight years in prison. Shortly after, the American Nurses Association released a statement concerned that the criminalization of medical errors could have a chilling effect on reporting and process improvement. Nurses are still coping with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and an unprecedented strain on the profession. We know that prosecution of medical professionals, publicized on social media or in the news, can cause fear and prompt practitioners to change their practice; however, this change in practice may have unintended consequences for patients and providers. Nurses deliberately do not report many medication errors, primarily due to fear of punishment and disciplinary action that could jeopardize their employment or nursing license. Medical errors contribute substantially to healthcare costs, including higher health insurance costs per person. This exploratory qualitative descriptive study explores nurses’ reactions to the RaDonda Vaught case and other highly publicized prosecutions and how these cases influence personal nursing practice. Recommendations for eliminating blame and humiliation associated with medical errors in favour of improved prevention and education policy are discussed.

Authors

• Patricia Dekeseredy, West Virginia University

• Cara L. Sedney, West Virginia University

• Treah Haggerty, West Virginia University