Part of ancient medicine involved astrology and included specific directives about when not to perform surgeries on certain parts of the body. The lunar cycle was integral in determining when to schedule operations. While the timing of an operation might not seem as relevant today, some studies have shown that timing can affect the outcome of surgery and even impact risks that could be associated with medical malpractice in New Jersey and other states.
In the U.S, new doctors begin working as residents on July 1. The high number of doctors who are beginning their careers can also mean high numbers of medical mistakes. A study conducted at John Hopkins of more than 3,000 operations for spinal metastases showed an increased number of complications during July in addition to an increase in deaths. However, a conflicting study showed that the month and timing of a surgery doesn't matter, possibly because senior physicians are closely monitoring the new charges.
However, another study shows that someone who is admitted to the hospital for an emergency visit on a public holiday is nearly 50 percent more likely to die than someone who is admitted on a day that is not a holiday. In addition, two separate studies show that the likelihood of medical errors increases as the day progresses in diagnostic cases of colon polyps and in anesthesia issues. The risk of infant deaths also increased from 16 to 25 percent for deliveries at night depending on the types of factors that were considered.
When medical personnel make a mistake, the month, day or time could be part of the reason for the error. A personal injury attorney might be able to help clients pursue financial compensation in the event of a medical error.