What year did the Institute of Medicine (IOM) publish the report "To Err is Human"?

The report "To Err is Human: Building a Safer Health System" was published by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) in 1999. This pivotal report highlighted the significant issues related to medical errors in healthcare and emphasized the need for improved patient safety practices. The IOM's findings brought attention to the fact that thousands of deaths and injuries occur annually due to preventable medical mistakes, and it called for a systemic change in the way healthcare is delivered.

The timing of this report was crucial as it laid the groundwork for subsequent initiatives aimed at enhancing patient safety, fostering a culture of transparency, and encouraging hospitals and healthcare organizations to implement practices that prioritize patient welfare. By advocating for error reporting and improvement strategies, the report instigated a national dialogue about the importance of patient safety in healthcare settings.

Recognizing the year of this report is essential for understanding the evolution of patient safety initiatives and the growing recognition of its importance in healthcare quality improvement.