There is no doubt that the use of technology has greatly improved modern medicine. Today, various technological advances are routinely used throughout the medical field to aid in everything from complex surgical procedures to the distribution of prescription drugs. A new study, however, indicates that this growing reliance on technology may in fact have some very serious drawbacks.

Any Ohio resident who works in an office can likely identify with disruptions that occur when say a computer malfunctions or the office printer is jammed. While annoying, no one is likely to be harmed or injured as a result of these types of technological problems. The same, however, cannot be said when machines used in hospital settings malfunction or are not available.

According to the study, roughly 25 percent of all operating errors stemmed from technology errors or malfunctions. Of these errors, the most common and potentially harmful involved medical machines or devices that were not properly functioning. In many cases, these types of medical errors result from human error as nurses and doctors are responsible for the manual settings of these machines.

The second most common type of medical error involving technology stemmed from a machine or device not being available during a procedure. These types of errors are particularly egregious as such machines and devices are often essential in surgical procedures.

Researchers who conducted the study recommend that hospitals begin utilizing medical device and machine checklists prior to surgical procedures. The best time to identify that a machine isn't working properly or a much-needed device isn't available is prior to the start of a medical procedure. Catching such medical errors early on helps medical personnel correct the errors and greatly reduces the likelihood that a patient will suffer harm or even death.

Source: WBAY, "Technology mishaps behind 1 in 4 operating room errors," July 26, 2013