Medication errors are a pressing issue in health care, happening at various stages such as prescribing, dispensing and monitoring. These blunders can turn into medical malpractice cases, where a health care provider’s negligence harms a patient.
The impact of a medication error might be trivial or it can result in severe injury or even death. When entrusting health to medical professionals, patients expect adherence to proper procedures and safety guidelines. Learn how medication errors can lead to medical malpractice in New Mexico.
What are medication errors?
Medication errors encompass mistakes in the prescribing, dispensing or administering of medications. These errors can occur anywhere from the doctor’s office to the pharmacy to the bedside in a hospital. These can involve incorrect medications, doses or administration methods.
How do medication errors lead to medical malpractice?
Medical malpractice happens in New Mexico when a health care provider’s negligence harms a patient. This negligence can manifest through incorrect prescriptions, a pharmacist dispensing the wrong medication or dose or improper administration by a nurse or doctor. Adverse reactions, complications or a worsened condition can result from these mistakes. If you can prove a direct link between the health care provider’s actions or negligence and the harm, it may be medical malpractice.
Preventing medication errors is a complex task that requires collaboration between health care providers and patients. Health care providers should adhere to guidelines and double-check prescriptions to avoid errors. Patients should ask questions and clarify any concerns about their medications, ensuring they understand their treatment. In addition, hospitals and health care facilities must have robust protocols and training to minimize the risk of these errors.
