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Medical Care Is 3rd Leading Cause of Death in U.S.

250000 Deaths Per Year May Be Due To Iatrogenic Causes

• Dr. Barbara Starfield's commentary in JAMA (July 26, 2000) suggests that deaths caused by the US healthcare system may rank as the third leading cause of death, after heart disease and cancer.
• The article estimates that around 250,000 deaths each year are due to iatrogenic causes, which are harmful effects resulting from medical or surgical interventions.
• Iatrogenic causes include unnecessary medications and surgeries, hospital-acquired infections, and adverse drug reactions.
• Industry experts Phyllis Arthur and David Thomas highlight the challenges and investment trends in the development of vaccines for rare diseases.
• New research on long COVID underscores its global effects, including cognitive decline, and advocates for enhanced public health initiatives focused on prevention, such as vaccination and improved air quality.
• A study on Enhanced Barrier Precautions in nursing homes demonstrates their effectiveness in reducing the transmission of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs), though challenges persist regarding gown usage, staff education, and comfort during high-contact care.