Health Worker Burnout Increases Risk Of Medical Malpractice In Washington State

The healthcare industry is facing a crisis. After dealing with the long hours, frustrating work conditions, and isolation from their families during the COVID-19 pandemic, many experienced workers opted to leave the field. Unfortunately, new hires are not keeping up with the demand, particularly as the Baby Boomer population continues to age and the need for more ongoing and extensive medical care increases.

Unfortunately, this increases the odds of medical mistakes and errors, which can have major impacts on people of all ages. Our Issaquah medical malpractice attorney explains more about the problem and how it can affect your health.

Provider Burnout Makes Medical Mistakes More Likely To Occur 

The U.S. Surgeon General recently issued a warning about healthcare worker burnout and its impact on the medical industry. Long hours, the emotional demands of dealing with suffering patients, and tasks that take a toll on their physical health are causing many experienced workers to leave the field. In their absence, replacement workers have been hard to come by.

Unfortunately, the Surgeon General states that the situation has become dire and directly impacts patients’ safety. In addition to receiving an overall lower standard of care, patients are also at risk for dangerous and potentially deadly medical mistakes and errors. These often include:

• Failing to review patient charts thoroughly;
• Failing to communicate between specialists and other providers;
• Rushing through doctor visits;
• Downplaying symptoms;
• Misreading test results;
• Failing to follow up on patients;
• Failing to manage chronic health conditions.

Holding Medical Providers Accountable

Baby boomers make up the largest segment of the population. As they age, their need for medical care increases. This strains an already overburdened system and makes burnout among medical providers more likely to happen.

According to the National Institutes of Health, there is a direct correlation between medical provider burnout and cases of malpractice. Mistakes and errors on the part of doctors, nurses, diagnostic technicians, and others involved in your case can result in the following:

• Misdiagnosis of serious conditions;
• Failure to provide needed emergency care;
• Surgical errors and mistakes, such as operating on the wrong patient or performing the wrong procedure;
• Medication errors, resulting in adverse reactions;
• Failing to maintain cleanliness in medical environments, increasing the risk of healthcare-associated infections.

All of the above can result in serious, potentially life-threatening injuries. Medical provider burnout is no excuse and is not the patient’s problem. When health care workers make mistakes and errors that cause harm, regardless of the cause, they can be held liable in a Washington State medical malpractice claim.

Request A Consultation With Our Issaquah Medical Malpractice Attorney

Medical malpractice is a common and serious problem. If you suffered injuries due to mistakes and errors on the part of your providers, you may be entitled to compensation in a medical malpractice claim. To discuss your case and the options available, contact Injury Law Group NW. Request a consultation with our Issaquah medical malpractice attorney today.

Sources:

hhs.gov/surgeongeneral/priorities/health-worker-burnout/index.html#:~:text=In%20what%20ways%20do%20health,among%20patients%2C%20and%20staffing%20shortages.

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37382306/#:~:text=Ultimately%2C%2014%20of%2021%20studies,training%20level%2C%20modulate%20this%20relationship