Credentialing & Privileging

Report: Serial murders in healthcare facilities more common than previously thought

Credentialing Resource Center Connection, December 14, 2006

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A recent study released by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) has revealed that there are over 2,000 suspected victims worldwide of more than 90 healthcare workers who have been prosecuted for serial murder of patients.

 

The study found that, between the years of 1970 and 2006:

  • 54 healthcare workers were convicted of serial murders
  • Another 24 healthcare workers were indicted on charges of serial murder
  • 317 patient deaths resulted in murder convictions
  • 2,113 suspicious patient deaths were ascribed to caregivers
  • The main method used in these murders was injection
  • Other methods included suffocation, poisoning, and equipment tampering

 

Prevention of such crimes involves better risk management practices, the study stated. For more information, visit the AAFS official Web site at www.AAFS.org.



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