The Cost Of Iatrogenic Disease

Iatrogenic Disease Statistics

Iatrogenic disease are those diseases caused by the drugs given to patients via the medical profession. As more natural therapists once we have qualified in anatomy and therapy, the statistics make for interesting reading. 

In UK samples:

• 10.8 per cent of patients on medical wards experience an adverse event, 46 per cent of which were judged to be preventable

• One-third lead to greater morbidity or death

• Each event leads to an average of 8.5 additional days in hospital

• If the data from the sample trusts are representative and extrapolated across the NHS, this costs the NHS £1.1 billion each year

• 12 per cent of adverse events were related to medicines use

Results of a Study of Iatrogenic Illness:

445 patients emitted to a ward completed questionnaires .

102 patients (22.9%) developed 121 iatrogenic events.

Forty-four patients (43.1%) were admitted for iatrogenic illness

10 patients (9.8%) developed life-threatening events

3 patients(6.8%) died to their iatrogenic illness

Eighteen percent of all iatrogenic disease was severe, 61.9% predictable, 54.5% avoidable, and 59% drug-related, 80% of which was due to side effects or adverse reactions. Infection and metabolic and electrolyte disorders were the most frequent effects

http://www.yourmedicaldetective.com/public/335.cfm 

Date for the USA:

Iatrogenic diseases suggested as being the third-highest cause of death in the USA, after heart disease and cancer

A study suggested that between 4% and 18% of patients experience negative effects in outpatient settings:

116 million extra physician visits

77 million extra prescriptions

17 million emergency department visits

8 million hospitalizations

3 million long-term admissions

199,000 additional deaths

$77 billion in extra costs

It is generally acknowledged that about a quarter of a million persons die each year in the USA as a result of Iatrogenic Disease. 

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