The New York Times this week published two articles highlighting the often catastrophic consequences of medical errors occurring to patients who are undergoing radiation treatments for cancer.

The Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority published Patient Safety Advisory articles related to the issue in 2008 and 2009 based upon actual cases occurring in Pennsylvania healthcare facilities.

The Authority also provided risk reduction strategies, an educational toolkit for healthcare practitioners and consumer information for patients related to the radiation issue.

For more information on what’s happening in Pennsylvania healthcare facilities in regard to radiation overdoses and the consequences for patients and the New York Times articles, click on the links below.

Pennsylvania Patient Safety Advisory Articles

• “Errors in Radiation Therapy” (2009 September: Patient Safety Advisory)
• “Diagnostic Ionizing Radiation and Pregnancy: Is there a concern?” (2008 March: Patient Safety Advisory)

Educational Toolkit for Healthcare Providers and Patients

• A Healthcare Provider's Reference Guide for Radiation Exposure
• A Patient’s Wallet Card for Tracking Lifetime Radiation Exposure
• Consumer Tips: Pregnancy and Diagnostic X-rays: What You Should Know

New York Times Articles

• Radiation Offers New Cures, and Ways to Do Harm, New York Times, 1-24-10
• As Technology Surges, Radiation Safeguards Lag, New York Times, 1-27-10