Medical Errors in Healthcare Causes Types and Legal Prevention in UAE

Medical Errors in Healthcare Causes Types and Legal Prevention in UAE

Medical Errors in Healthcare Causes Types and Legal Prevention in UAE

Medical Errors in Healthcare: Causes, Types, and Legal Prevention in UAE

Medical errors are among the most pressing issues in healthcare, affecting millions of patients worldwide. They encompass any form of mishandling or mismanagement that results in patient harm, ranging from misdiagnosis to surgical mistakes. In 2013, it was estimated that approximately 440,000 deaths globally were attributed to medical errors, highlighting the urgent need for preventive measures and legal frameworks to address these issues.

Types of Medical Errors

Medical errors occur in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and laboratories. The most common types of medical errors include:

• Misdiagnosis:

  A misdiagnosed condition can lead to inappropriate treatment while leaving the actual illness untreated, which may worsen the patient’s condition.

• Delayed Diagnosis:

  Patients often suffer from delayed treatment due to healthcare providers not taking symptoms seriously. This can lead to complications that could have been avoided with timely diagnosis.

• Medication Errors:

  These mistakes can occur due to a variety of reasons, such as:

  • Doctors prescribing incorrect medications or dosages.
  • Nurses administering the wrong drug to patients.
  • Pharmacists dispensing the incorrect medication.
  • Lack of consideration for drug allergies.

• Surgical Errors:

  These errors can have severe consequences and may involve:

  • Performing surgery on the wrong site or patient.
  • Leaving surgical instruments inside a patient’s body.
  • Administering incorrect anesthesia doses.
  • Failing to monitor the patient post-surgery.

• Communication Failures:

  Poor communication between healthcare professionals and patients can result in misinformation, leading to incorrect treatments or improper medication use.

• Hospital-Acquired Infections:

  If hospitals do not adhere to strict hygiene and sanitation standards, patients can contract infections that may worsen their conditions.

• Medical Equipment Malfunctions:

  Errors may arise from faulty medical devices or improper usage by healthcare professionals, leading to incorrect diagnoses or failed treatments.

• Anesthesia Errors:

  Administering too much or too little anesthesia, or failing to monitor the patient’s oxygen levels, can cause severe complications during surgeries.

Causes of Medical Errors

• Ignoring medical principles and guidelines.
• Lack of precautions when performing medical procedures.
• Poor patient management and follow-up.
• Inadequate medical training and supervision.
• Fatigue and mental exhaustion among healthcare professionals.
• Lack of legal accountability for unqualified individuals practicing medicine.
• Insufficient monitoring of hospitalized patients.
• Technical malfunctions in diagnostic and treatment equipment.
• Absence of stringent laws to hold medical professionals accountable for errors.

Legal Framework and Medical Responsibility

Different countries have varying laws regarding medical malpractice, but most share common principles to protect patients. Many legal frameworks hold medical professionals accountable for errors committed during treatment, surgery, or any form of patient interaction that results in significant harm.

Legal experts argue that while minor human errors should not be punishable, professional negligence must be addressed to maintain trust in the medical system. A physician who deviates from the ethical and professional standards of medical practice can face disciplinary action, especially in cases of gross negligence or unethical conduct, such as refusing treatment to a patient or performing illegal procedures.

Conclusion

Medical errors are a critical issue in global healthcare, leading to preventable deaths and significant patient harm. Addressing this challenge requires a multifaceted approach, including legal oversight, enhanced medical training, and improved hospital management. By taking proactive measures, the healthcare sector can significantly reduce medical errors and improve patient safety, ensuring that medical institutions fulfill their primary duty of care.

Attorney / Mohamed Al Marzooqi
Mohamed Al Marzooqi advocates & Consultancy
Lawyer in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Ajman UAE

“Medical Errors in Healthcare Causes Types and Legal Prevention in UAE”