Medical doctors operate in a position of trust and authority. They go to school for years to understand the human body and the modern medical system. They then use their knowledge to diagnose conditions, promote overall health and treat the symptoms of their patients.
Modern prescription medicines are perhaps the most powerful weapon in a doctor’s arsenal. Medications can help people lose weight, control their blood sugar, overcome anxiety and battle an infection. Unfortunately, they also come with side effects and other risks.
Physicians help protect public health by determining when prescription medication is necessary and what types of treatment a patient may require. However, doctors can also make prescribing errors that may result in major implications for their patients.
1. Failing to check their records
A thorough review of a patient’s medical history is a key element of any treatment plan. Typically, the medical history of a patient can warn of negative interactions they have had with drugs before, as well as any known allergies they may have.
Some allergies can be contraindications for prescribing specific medications. Other times, a current medication taken by a patient might make a new prescription dangerous because there is a risk of drug interaction. If physicians don’t look at a patient’s records carefully, they could prescribe a drug that might be actively dangerous for them.
2. Not discussing side effects and risks
Physicians rushing through an appointment with a patient can make a number of mistakes beyond just overlooking their medical history. In some cases, doctors may fail to obtain informed consent.
They do not tell the patient about the success rate or risks associated with the medication. A doctor might also gloss over the fact that there could be alternative treatments available that are safer. Failing to tell a patient about the risks of a drug could lead to poor outcomes for the patient.
3. Ignoring aftercare needs
Another common mistake doctors make when prescribing medication is to write out a prescription with multiple refills and never discuss the cessation of treatment with their patients. Some drugs may be habit-forming, meaning that patients become addicted to them during treatment.
Other medications can cause withdrawal symptoms if patients cease taking them abruptly. Medications ranging from opioids and antidepressants to steroids may require intensive oversight during treatment and after treatment to ensure that the patient is safe.
When doctors make mistakes about what drugs they prescribe and how patients should take them, people can end up experiencing adverse medical events. Pursuing a medical malpractice lawsuit can be an appropriate reaction in cases where a doctor’s failures lead to major consequences for patients. Drug administration errors are a common and particularly harmful form of medical malpractice.