Young DoctorWe normally write about saving money here at the Tree Insurance Blog, but this article about hospital deaths spiking in July due to medical interns making life or death decisions is frightening, and important. Some consider the July Effect to be a myth, but many medical experts acknowledge that the July Effect is all too real. We think it's important. 

What is the July Effect?

July is the month where interns, fresh out of medical school start on the job. They usually work at "training hospitals" but can be found in non-teaching hospitals too.  If you're thinking about Grey's Anatomy first years, you're on the right track. These interns look like experienced long-term doctors, wearing doctor’s lab coats. The scary truth is that they have no hands-on real world experience with medicine and emergency situations. The July Effect doesn't just happen with doctors. Interns start working in other medical fields in July including medical labs, where misdiagnosis can happen. 

What aspects of your medical care can be affected?

  • Emergency decision making. Often the interns don't have the experience to know the proper course of action. 
  • Prescriptions. Research has shown that there is a 10% increase in mortality from medication errors in July. 
  • Lab results. Lab interns also tend to start working in July. The chance for a misdiagnosis is higher at this time. 

This story from a former intern recounts how real the July Effect is.

"Clear!" I yell, and place the paddles on the patients chest.

"STOP!" the nurse screams.

She grabs my hands and moves the paddles to a different spot on the patient's chest.

One more second and I would have shocked his liver.

'Clear!" I yell again, and press the defibrillation button.

What we can learn from this story

The takeaway is that you should always question the care you are getting.  Be assertive, even at your doctor’s office.  Ask why they are prescribing specific care over other alternatives.  And since we may not always be conscious when we go to the hospital, make sure your friends and family members know to question care, so they can do it for you. Rest assured that doctors are also aware of the July Effect and they take care to avoid mistakes. But hundreds of thousands of people die unnecessarily in hospitals every year; doctors are not always right. 

Are you a doctor? Do you believe the July Effect is real? Alternatively, are you a patient that has experienced the July Effect? We'd love to hear from you. 

Photo: Flickr, Walt Stoneburner, Creative Commons 2.0 Generic