There are many reasons why a New York patient may suffer complications from a medical error. Some are caused by health care staff that make poor clinical decisions while other occur due to system errors. These may include poor communication, checks and balance issues or even poor protocol design. Patients can help prevent medical errors by being engaged with the health care team.
There are many reasons why a New York patient may suffer complications from a medical error. Some are caused by health care staff that make poor clinical decisions while other occur due to system errors. These may include poor communication, checks and balance issues or even poor protocol design. Patients can help prevent medical errors by being engaged with the health care team.
Prior to undergoing a medical procedure, patients should research the background of the doctor or surgeon. Patients should ensure that the doctor has been board-certified and has experience performing the specific procedure. Additionally, the patient should have a discussion about why the procedure is being performed and if there are any alternatives. Getting the doctor’s opinion is important but it should be backed up by clinical research. The doctor should also talk about any complications that could potentially occur and outline the risks of each procedure.
Having discussions with the medical team should not just stop at procedures. Patients should also ask about the different tests the doctor may order. This discussion should also include risks and potential medical complications. Patients should ask about any medications that they are being given while in the hospital. They should know what the medication does and why they are taking it.
Surgical errors can range from operating on the wrong part of the body to surgical equipment left inside a patient. These are sometimes called “never events”, based upon a belief that such mistakes should never happen. Unfortunately, they do, however, and a patient who has been harmed in such a manner may want to have a lawyer’s assistance in seeking appropriate damages through a medical malpractice lawsuit.
