The Problem of Substandard Care

The likelihood of substandard care is usually not on the mind of a sick person when they are admitted to a hospital.

Most people just appear to take it for granted that they will receive quality treatment and care in a health institution, especially in a country like the United States. But the sad truth is that substandard care, resulting in a medical error, is a real possibility, which should not be tolerated. As with many other professions, there are rules and regulations guiding the actions and behavior of medical professionals. They are under obligation to give patients the best treatment attainable. Medical malpractice only exists because these regulations or guidelines are established.

What Constitutes Substandard Care?

There are several instances of substandard care, which could translate into medical malpractice. Improper diagnosis of a patient’s condition and irregular monitoring of a patient’s condition constitute substandard care for which a medical professional can be held accountable. Improper examination of a patient’s medical history may be medical malpractice, just as is failure to take cognizance of drug history records regarding allergies to certain drugs.

Over-prescription or under-prescription of medications and supplies such as oxygen, pain killers, and ointments also constitutes substandard care. Further examples of substandard care include the use of a substandard facility for carrying out surgery and the negligence on the part of a surgeon or an assistant, for example, forgetting an object inside a patient. There could also be outright abuse of patients, particularly the elderly ones.

When a Doctor Is Not Negligent

Still, it is relevant to note that a medical professional is not necessarily being negligent if patients fail to notice improvement after undergoing treatment or if their conditions worsen. This does not make a doctor guilty of giving substandard care. There is a case of medical malpractice only when a healthcare practitioner provides a patient less than the best care they are able to offer. In that case, they have defaulted in abiding by the regulations guiding their profession.

Consequences of Substandard Care

The consequences of substandard care could be potentially catastrophic. Effects differ among patients based on the state of their health and medical history. Substandard care may only have slight effects on a particular patient, but the same could lead to the death of another. For instance, the use of an unsafe drug may generate a slight allergic reaction in one patient, but could lead to the death of another less fortunate patient. This makes it all the more important for medical professionals to exercise due diligence when providing care to patients.

St Louis Medical Malpractice Attorney

Many patients believe that the care they receive in a hospital is the best there could be. They are even legally right to think that way. So when the care the receives falls below the expected level and leads to injuries or more problematic conditions, they may seek compensation on the grounds of medical malpractice. Call the Zevan and Davidson Law Firm at (314) 588-7200 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced St Louis Medical Malpractice Attorney.

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