Doctors and other medical professionals are placed in a position of trust over patients suffering from various ailments. Patients should expect the highest levels of care when receiving medical treatment. Unfortunately, they are not always granted the diligence that they are entitled to.
The consequences of errors within the medical community can be devastating, and even life-threatening. One of the more prominent forms of medical malpractice is misdiagnosis. When a patient obtains a wrongful diagnosis, they will not receive the treatment required to improve their condition. Outlined below are some of the key factors that can contribute to medical misdiagnoses.
Complacency
Doctors and nurses generally have to go through many years of training before being permitted to practice. While this can result in them attaining the levels of knowledge and training necessary to make people better, it can also lead to complacency. Complacency can be dangerous in the medical field, as it could mean that a doctor relies on their instincts rather than adequate testing. Overconfidence also increases the risk of medical professionals not spotting changes in the patient’s condition, which can have catastrophic consequences.
Fragmented medical care
It is fairly common for a patient to be treated by a team of professionals, rather than one doctor. While it can be beneficial for a patient to see the relevant specialists for different aspects of their condition, doctors do not always agree. A medical professional in one area could have a completely different outlook than someone in another field, which can ultimately lead to conflict and confusion. Furthermore, operating as an efficient team requires high levels of communication. Even a minor breakdown in communication can have grave consequences for a patient with a serious illness.
When being treated for an illness or medical condition, you are entitled to the highest levels of care. If you feel that you have been let down by medical professionals, it may benefit you to explore your legal options.
