To err is human, yet nobody wants to accept this fact. This is especially true in medicine! This book focuses on how human failures can be avoided in the medical context. Experts from different disciplines discuss the underlying causes of such failures and explain the techniques required to reduce their frequency. The principles of risk management are clearly described and lessons to be drawn from risk management in other sectors, such as aviation, are identified. Detailed consideration is given to all relevant risk management systems and tools, including Crew Resource Management (CRM), Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Critical Incident Reporting System (CIRS), Team Time Out (TTO) and Observational Teamwork Assessment for Surgery (OTAS). International legal experts discuss aspects of law relevant to risk management in medicine in the United States and Europe and careful attention is also paid to economic factors, bearing in mind that risk management saves not only lives but also huge amounts of money. This book will be of value to all individuals, organizations and authorities concerned with effective implementation of risk management in hospitals, including doctors, hospital administrators, insurance companies and government departments.