When you go to the doctor or any other medical professional, the last thing you expect is a mistake to occur. Unfortunately, medical errors are more common than most people realize, and they often happen due to communication errors.
But who is miscommunicating?
The miscommunication can happen on many different levels, and the at fault party may not always be a physician. Here, we want to review some of the ways that communication errors can lead to medical malpractice and cause harm for patients.
Several types of miscommunication can occur in the medical setting, but the most common include:
Communication errors between healthcare providers are a significant source of medical malpractice. These errors can occur during shift changes, handovers, or team meetings. For example, a nurse might fail to communicate a critical change in a patient’s condition to the incoming shift, leading to inappropriate or delayed treatment. Similarly, unclear instructions from a physician to the nursing staff regarding medication administration can result in the wrong dosage being given to a patient.
Accurate and comprehensive patient information is crucial for effective medical treatment. Errors can occur if patient records are incomplete, illegible, or incorrect. For instance, if a patient’s allergy information is not properly recorded or communicated, it could lead to the administration of a harmful drug. Electronic health records (EHRs) are intended to mitigate such risks, but they can also be a source of errors if not properly managed.
Clear communication between healthcare providers and patients is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Patients may not fully understand medical jargon, leading to misunderstandings about their condition or the prescribed treatment. Conversely, if patients do not provide a complete medical history or fail to communicate their symptoms effectively, it can result in a misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment.
Diagnostic errors are a common form of medical malpractice resulting from communication failures. This can happen when test results are not properly communicated to the physician, or when there is a failure to follow up on abnormal test results. Misinterpretation of diagnostic tests due to inadequate communication between the lab technicians and the doctors can also lead to incorrect diagnoses
The main consequence is victims experience as a result of medical miscommunication errors include:
One of the most dangerous outcomes of communication errors is medication errors. These can occur when the wrong medication is prescribed, the wrong dose is administered, or medication is given to the wrong patient. These errors can cause severe adverse reactions, prolonged hospital stays, and even death.
Communication breakdowns in the operating room can lead to serious surgical errors. This includes wrong-site surgery, where a procedure is performed on the wrong part of the body, or even on the wrong patient. These errors often result from inadequate preoperative communication and failure to verify patient information.
When critical information about a patient’s condition is not communicated promptly, it can lead to delays in treatment. For example, if a test result indicating a serious condition is not relayed to the attending physician in a timely manner, the patient may not receive necessary and potentially life-saving treatment quickly enough.
Communication errors can significantly increase healthcare costs due to prolonged hospital stays, additional treatments, and corrective surgeries. These costs can burden both the healthcare system and the patient, who may face financial strain from unexpected medical bills.
What you should consider as you move forward:
If you or a loved one has suffered due to a medical error resulting from communication failures, it is crucial to seek legal assistance for medical malpractice. An experienced medical malpractice attorney can help you navigate the complexities of medical malpractice claims. They can assist in gathering evidence, such as medical records and expert testimonies, to build a strong case demonstrating how communication errors led to your injury.
Victims of medical malpractice due to communication errors may be entitled to compensation for various damages, including:
Effective communication is vital in healthcare to ensure patient safety and quality treatment. Communication errors can lead to severe consequences, including medication errors, surgical mistakes, and delayed treatments, all of which can significantly harm patients. If you have been a victim of medical malpractice due to communication failures, seeking legal assistance is crucial to obtaining the compensation you deserve and holding the responsible parties accountable. Contact a lawyer today.