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Using numbers and handling data
Using numbers and handling data

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Using numbers and handling data

2.3 Common maths problems and errors in the workplace

In a busy, hospital environment mistakes with medicines and other treatments can happen at any time. Some of these are caused by communication/administrative problems, whilst others are due to mathematical errors (the news stories shown in Figure 7 are sadly typical).

Figure 7
Figure 7 Mistakes with placing a decimal point can cost lives; articles available from http://news.bbc.co.uk and http://news.scotsman.com (websites accessed 6 March 2008)

However, many of these types of errors can be avoided by pausing and thinking, 'is this right'?

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