Exploring the potential impact of medical errors research on population health

TL;DR

This study examines how research on medical errors might improve population health and health systems, finding positive effects in higher-income countries.

Contribution

The study provides quantitative evidence that medical errors research can influence population health and structural indicators.

Findings

Higher medical errors research output linked to reduced mortality rates in high-income and upper-middle-income countries.

Research correlated with lower financial risk from surgical expenditures in middle- and low-income countries.

Little to no impact observed in low-income countries or when adjusting for income-level differences.

Abstract

While most research on medical errors has focused on reducing these events within clinical settings, little is known about whether this scientific research translates into improvements in population-level health or system indicators. This study aimed to explore the potential impact of medical errors research on population health, health system, and research and development indicators.

A longitudinal analysis was conducted using global data from 1995 to 2024. Annual publication counts on medical errors were matched with 18 global population and structural indicators across four domains: mortality, health systems, research and development, and financial risk. Countries were stratified into income groups, and associations were analysed using fixed-effects, negative binomial, and hierarchical mixed-effects models.

Higher research output on medical errors was associated with reductions in neonatal, infant, under-5, and adult mortality, particularly in high-income countries and upper-middle-income countries (UMICs). Significant associations were also found with reduced risk of catastrophic and impoverishing surgical expenditures in UMICs and low- and middle-income countries. Modest links were observed with hospital bed density and intellectual property flows. However, no consistent associations were found in low-income countries or in hierarchical models adjusting for income-level heterogeneity.

Scientific research on medical errors shows potential to influence key population health- and structural-level indicators, particularly in countries with developing research ecosystems. These findings address a critical knowledge gap by providing quantitative evidence of research relevance beyond academic metrics. Promoting equitable research capacity and translation may enhance the real-world impact of patient safety efforts globally.

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