Medical malpractice is a scary reality in the health field. According to a 2016 Johns Hopkins Medicine study, 10 percent of deaths in the U.S. are caused by medical errors.
With a statistic like this, it’s no wonder some people are afraid of hospital visits. However, health professionals can prevent most medical errors — and avoid medical malpractice — by adhering to these measures:
1. Obtain informed consent from patients
Since they have patients’ lives in their hands, medical professionals should not make assumptions about certain medical conditions and procedures. They must thoroughly explain what an operation or treatment entails to ensure patients comprehend everything and give their consent.
2. Build rapport with patients
Showing respect and kindness towards patients help engender confidence. Besides, patients may pick up signs that a health professional may or may not be trusted, and trustworthiness is a factor in malpractice lawsuits.
3. Reach out to others for assistance
Everyone needs help, even health professionals who possess years of experience. One of the reasons why medical malpractice occurs is that some nurses or doctors feel too embarrassed to ask for help. Plus, being tired plays a major role in making medical errors, or any mistake for that matter.
3. Put everything on paper
Having tangible evidence on hand can aid medical professionals in defending themselves. While they can’t document every single incident, they can record imperative information like dates, names of patients and appointment times.
4. Follow up with patients after operation/treatment
Health professionals should follow up with their patients to make sure everything is in order. They need to contact other medical specialists who took part in a patient’s treatment as well.
Sadly, some doctors and nurses fail to prevent medical malpractice. If you or a loved one suffered due to a medical error, please seek experienced legal guidance for assistance.