When seeking medical attention in an emergency room, individuals trust healthcare professionals to provide swift and accurate care.
Instances of errors in emergency rooms are not uncommon, and these pitfalls could lead to a medical malpractice suit.
Misdiagnosis and delayed treatment
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, 139.8 million people visited an ER last year. This caseload can lead to an emergency room error of misdiagnosis, where a patient’s condition is incorrectly identified. This may cause delayed treatment or, in some cases, the administration of inappropriate care. Any delay or misdiagnosis can have serious consequences.
Communication breakdowns
Effective communication is the backbone of healthcare, yet breakdowns in communication can occur in the fast-paced environment of an emergency room. Misinformation between healthcare professionals can result in compromised care.
Medication errors
Administering the wrong medication or dosage is another potential hazard in emergency rooms. Due to the urgency of certain situations, healthcare providers may face pressure to act swiftly, increasing the likelihood of errors.
Inadequate monitoring
After initial treatment, patients often need continuous monitoring to track their progress and identify any potential complications. Inadequate monitoring can lead to oversight of critical changes in a patient’s condition. This can cause healthcare workers to fail to provide timely interventions.
Lack of coordination in handovers
Emergency room staff often work in shifts, requiring smooth handovers between healthcare professionals. Inadequate coordination during these transitions can lead to staff mistakes in transferring information
Emergency rooms play an important role in saving lives. ER professionals are human beings and mistakes do happen. Unfortunately, medical malpractice can result from these mistakes.