Distracted Doctoring
Digital distraction has become a huge problem. People are distracted by phones and other gadgets. Most people, if not everyone, know the dangers of distracted driving. Using a phone or another electronic device while behind the wheel can have catastrophic consequences. That is why drivers are urged to put their gadgets away while behind the wheel. However, distractions don’t only affect driving. Like driving, attending to a patient’s medical needs requires undivided attention. A doctor must be fully present to ensure the safety and protection of their patient. Distractions can affect a doctor’s ability to provide appropriate medical care, resulting in harm. Phones and other electronic devices can consume a doctor’s awareness, preventing them from focusing on the main task at hand.
What Is Distracted Doctoring?
The term “distracted doctoring” is used to describe a situation where a doctor is distracted by their phone, computer, tablet, or other gadget while attending to a patient. Hospitals have made significant investments to equip medical staff with computers, smartphones, tablets, and other devices. These gadgets ensure immediate access to patient data, drug information, and case studies. However, this solution has its downside. The downside to this technology is that it can easily distract doctors.
Dangers of Distracted Doctoring
When patients seek medical treatment, they trust their doctor with their life. It can be unfortunate if a doctor gets distracted while attending to a patient. Several things could go wrong if a doctor becomes distracted while attending to a patient. The following are some of the possible risks of distracted doctoring:
- Administering too little or too much medication
- Prescribing the wrong medication
- Misusing equipment
- Using the wrong tool on a patient
- Missing dangerous symptoms
- Failing to double-check a patient’s records, resulting in incorrect treatment being provided
- Recommending the wrong treatment
- Performing surgery on the wrong body part
- Leaving surgical equipment in a patient
It is crucial that a patient seek medical attention from another doctor as soon as possible after suffering harm at the hands of a distracted doctor. Another doctor can assess the extent of damage and ensure you receive the proper treatment.
Distracted Doctoring Is Medical Malpractice
After suffering harm at the hands of a distracted doctor, you may have a medical malpractice claim. A medical malpractice claim arises when a doctor fails to provide the appropriate standard of care. Attending to a patient while distracted constitutes a failure to provide the appropriate standard of care. A reasonable doctor would not be distracted by their phone or another gadget while attending to a patient.
Through a medical malpractice claim, you can seek compensation for the damages that resulted from the doctor’s distraction, including the cost of additional medical care, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you lose a loved one as a result of a doctor’s distraction, you can file a wrongful death claim and seek compensation for your loved one’s death.
Contact an Atlanta Medical Malpractice Attorney
Our skilled Atlanta medical malpractice attorney at Carroll Law Firm is here to advocate for you through every step of the medical malpractice claims process. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for help.
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