Medical malpractice is a serious concern for doctors and patients alike. Carelessness can cause permanent injury or even loss of life in some cases, which is devastating to the victim of malpractice as well as their family. Accordingly, medical staff must take certain steps to prevent problems from occurring, as explained by CARE.
Informed consent is the process of explaining a procedure to a patient, including a complete explanation of all potential risks and complications. This allows a patient to make an informed decision about his or her care, while also signing a document stating that the information was conveyed and understood. Without informed consent, a patient is unable to play a reasonable role in health care decision making. This is the right of all those seeking medical care, so doctors must not skip this crucial step when providing treatment.
Full disclosure is another essential aspect of medical care. In some cases, a procedure or surgery might have an unexpected outcome. While this is not always related to negligence on behalf of the medical team, it’s vital that doctors explain what happened in a forthcoming manner. Providing full disclosure in a satisfactory manner should be a part of a doctor’s comprehensive training program. Proper training also ensures that medical staff is up-to-date on things like standards of care and advances in medicine and technology.
Health care workers must also be mindful of follow-up procedures. The doctor-patient relationship is key in this regard, as it ensures that patients are fully apprised of what to do after a treatment has been provided. Record keeping is also a must. Accurate records ensure a doctor is aware of things like allergies or other issues, which prevents staff from providing inappropriate care.