Watch To Err is Human

To Err is Human is a compelling and thought-provoking documentary that explores the complex issues surrounding medical errors in America. The film focuses on the stories of several patients who have been affected by medical errors and the healthcare professionals who are working to prevent these mistakes from happening in the future.

At the heart of the film is Sue Sheridan, a woman who has suffered the devastating consequences of medical errors firsthand. Sue’s son, Cal, was born with a rare genetic disorder and received a heart transplant at a young age. However, due to a medication error during his post-transplant care, Cal suffered a brain injury that left him permanently disabled. Sue’s personal experience has inspired her to become a vocal advocate for patient safety and medical error prevention.

The film also introduces us to Mackenzie Sheridan, Sue’s daughter and Cal’s sister, who is now studying to become a nurse. Mackenzie’s passion for patient safety is evident as she works to educate herself and her colleagues about the importance of communication, teamwork, and error prevention.

In addition to the perspectives of patients and their families, the film features interviews with healthcare professionals who are working to improve the quality of care in hospitals and clinics across the country. Dr. Don Berwick, the former head of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, is a prominent voice in the film, advocating for a culture of safety in healthcare that prioritizes transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Perhaps the most compelling voice in the film, however, is Captain Sully Sullenberger, the airline pilot who famously landed US Airways Flight 1549 in the Hudson River in 2009. Captain Sullenberger shares his own experience of being part of a high-reliability organization, where safety is the top priority and mistakes are seen as opportunities for learning and improvement. He argues that healthcare should adopt a similar approach, where everyone on the team is encouraged to speak up about potential safety issues and mistakes are viewed as opportunities to make the system safer for everyone.

Throughout the film, we see the devastating toll that medical errors can take on patients and their families. We also see the profound impact that healthcare professionals can have when they prioritize safety and work to prevent errors from happening in the first place. The film does an excellent job of highlighting some of the key factors that contribute to medical errors, such as communication breakdowns, lack of teamwork, and systemic issues within the healthcare system.

One of the strengths of the film is its focus on solutions. Rather than simply lamenting the problem of medical errors, the film offers concrete strategies for how healthcare organizations can improve their safety culture and reduce the number of errors that occur. Some of these strategies include implementing checklists and standardized protocols, encouraging transparent reporting of errors, and involving patients and their families in the care process.

To Err is Human is a highly engaging and informative documentary that is sure to spark important conversations about patient safety and quality of care in America. The film is beautifully shot and features a diverse array of voices from across the healthcare spectrum. Whether you are a healthcare professional, a patient, or simply someone who cares about improving the quality of care in our country, this film is well worth a watch.

To Err is Human is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 17 minutes.