Understanding Potential Signs of Medical Errors

Most medical professionals genuinely work tirelessly to ensure the best possible outcomes for their patients. However, even a well-meaning doctor can make mistakes capable of causing significant harm or even death. While it’s important to trust in your doctor, it’s helpful to know some common signs of medical errors so you can speak up or seek a second opinion if needed.

Diagnostic Errors & Their Causes

A crucial aspect of medical care is accurate diagnosis. There are two frequently-occurring errors to be aware of when it comes to diagnostics: delayed diagnosis and misdiagnosis. A misdiagnosis occurs when a doctor fails to accurately identify the injury, illness, or medical condition a patient is suffering from. They may order an ineffective treatment, fail to act with appropriate urgency, or even initiate care that causes additional harm. In many cases, a misdiagnosis can be considered a form of negligence, resulting in a medical malpractice lawsuit.

A delayed diagnosis happens when a doctor is unable to identify a medical problem in a timely manner. The doctor may overlook key symptoms, misinterpret test results, or not order prospering testing in the first place. A delayed diagnosis allows the initial health problem to grow worse without effective intervention, potentially resulting in a more drastic treatment plan down the line.

Medication Errors & Surgical Complications

Treatment errors may involve surgical procedures or medications. Medication errors can include:

• Incorrect prescriptions
• Under- or overdosing
• Failure to consider allergies or drug interactions 

Surgical errors are particularly concerning, as they can lead to permanent injury or even death in extreme cases. In some cases, a surgeon may even mistakenly operate on the wrong body part, which is referred to as a wrong-site surgery. In other cases, a surgeon may perform the wrong procedure or make an error during the operation that causes excessive blood loss or infections.  

How Communication Breakdowns Can Cause Harm

Effective communication is vital to ensuring positive patient outcomes in healthcare. First and foremost, doctors need to make sure their patients are properly informed regarding treatments, surgeries, and other medical situations. If someone is not adequately informed of their diagnosis, treatment options, potential risks, and expected outcomes, it can hinder their ability to make knowledgeable decisions about their care.

Beyond keeping patients aware of their diagnosis and treatment plans, doctors are responsible for scheduling routine follow-ups. Regular follow-up appointments allow for effective monitoring of treatment progress, identification of possible side effects, and addressing of new concerns that have arisen. If a doctor fails to schedule or conduct proper follow-up appointments, the patient may suffer from corresponding gaps in their care.

Inaccurate Medical Records Can Lead to Mistakes

Accurate medical records are a crucial component of medical care. Inconsistencies in medical records may include:

• Missing or incorrect information
• Inaccurate diagnoses
• Incomplete documentation of patient treatments and medications

Particularly when a patient sees a new doctor or specialist, these errors can cause significant problems. If a doctor is not familiar with the patient, they may not catch errors of this nature. As such, a patient may receive the wrong medication or care that they do not need to stay healthy. 

Adverse Patient Outcomes After Treatment

As a patient, it’s vital to pay attention to how you respond to a treatment. If you find yourself feeling worse or suffering new negative effectives during a treatment plan, you may have received an incorrect diagnosis. There is also a chance that your current treatment plan is not adequate for your condition. 

It’s also possible that you may experience a complication or adverse event during a treatment. Some examples of negative outcomes include infections, allergic reactions to medications,  or medication side effects that are more severe than expected. Anytime you experience concerning or unexpected side effects from a treatment, you should report them to your doctor right away for additional monitoring and treatment. You can also seek a second opinion from another doctor or specialist to determine whether there may have been errors in your care. 

Not Every Adverse Outcome is Due to Error

Not every unexpected outcome or complication indicates that an error was made.  Medical conditions can be complex and treatments may not be fully effective for all patients. However, if you experience any of the signs mentioned above, you should discuss your concerns with your doctor. They can perform additional testing, offer guidance, and adjust your care plan to match your evolving needs.