# 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.

## Key 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.