Going to the hospital can be a daunting experience for patients. They may be concerned about their health condition and how it might progress. Thankfully, doctors are well-trained and usually able to take steps to alleviate the issue.
On top of their training, medical staff also owe a legal duty of care to all patients. This starts from the moment the consultation begins. Essentially, the legal duty of care means that medical staff must act to the expected standard in the industry.
Usually, this is exactly what happens but that isn’t always the cause. There are occasions when medical staff fall short in their duties, leading to misdiagnosis. Outlined below are some of the more common causes of medical misdiagnosis:
Fragmented care
If the ailment you are suffering from is relatively common and easy to treat, you may only need to see one doctor. With more complex cases, patients often have to see multiple specialists and consultants.
A hybrid approach to medical treatment can be beneficial, but it also has its drawbacks. The communication between the people treating you needs to be on point. This includes administrative staff. A breakdown in communication can result in missed test results and diagnostic errors.
Overworked staff
It’s no secret that hospitals are busy places. This, however, should not interfere with the level of care you receive. If a doctor has too much on their plate to offer you suitable treatment, they must delegate and pass the case on to someone who does have the time.
Overworked staff make mistakes, which ultimately puts you at risk of misdiagnosis.
These are just some of the more common causes of misdiagnosis; inexperience, complacency, lack of technology and follow-up protocols also play a role. If you feel that you have been let down by your medical team, be sure to look into your legal options.