Concept Analysis of Medical Malpractice
The phrase medical malpractice is everywhere; we see it make front page news and top stories; we hear about it on the radio and at social gatherings; we read books on it in school and are warned about it at work. Medical malpractice is important to nursing because it affects patient outcomes; liability insurance and medical insurance reimbursement; nurses’ and hospital reputations and ratings. A closer examination of what medical malpractice consists of is necessary because the concept of medical malpractice is seen everywhere. The concept of medical malpractice contains both medical and legal aspects. It implies that something in the medical field has been practiced incorrectly and medical malpractice can be linked to all areas of patient care. Related Words | medical misconduct | medical carelessness | dereliction of duty | medical malefaction | Medical mismanagement | Medical negligence | Medical violation | Abuse of patient |
In discussion of medical malpractice with colleagues, X. Xin, LPN, states that medical malpractice is the inadequate care of a patient resulting in damage to the patient (personal communication, February 5, 2012). According to P. Jills, RN, medical malpractice is a form of negligence where a medical professional or facility breaches its duty of care, which in turn is the actual cause of the injury (personal communication, February 7, 2012). Each makes the suggestion that the care or lack thereof, causes a negative outcome to a patient. Each is careful not to affix one area of healthcare as sole culprits of medical malpractice.
When approaching the concept of medical malpractice, Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines malpractice as “a dereliction of professional duty or a failure to exercise an ordinary degree of professional skill or learning by one (as a physician) rendering professional services which results in injury, loss, or damage,”
References: Malpractice. (2012). In Merriam-Webster Online. Retrieved February 04, 2012, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/malpractice Rosenbaum, Sara. (2003). Medical errors, medical negligence, and professional medical liability reform. Association of Schools of Public Health, 118, p. 272-274. Salzman, James, & Hunter, David. (2007). Negligence in the Air: The Duty of Care in Climate Change Litigation. University of Pennsylvania Law Review, 155, p. 101- 155.