Illinois medical malpractice can have dire consequences for everyone involved. Medical professionals and patients may be on opposite sides of the table in a malpractice lawsuit, but they are often united in their desire to prevent a medical negligence incident from happening again. Certainly, individual steps can be taken, but the real changes may need to come on a larger scale. These may include:
- Better regulation. Regulations can help stop bad medical practices through better processes and procedures. For example, by mandating nurses get enough rest or by ensuring more than one person checks a prescription before it is given out.
- Patient empowerment and education. When patients understand their rights, are given informed consent, and feel comfortable asking questions and making informed decisions, they are in a better position to take control of their healthcare about hold professionals accountable before things go too far.
- Better use of electronic health records (EHRs). When the documentation about an alleged medical malpractice situation is centralized and complete, it is easier for providers to make decisions and reduce errors.
- Professional development. Medical malpractice can happen due to a doctor having outdated knowledge, so it is important that the healthcare profession have a culture where it is encouraged to participate in regular training, workshops, and conferences.
In short, aside from holding people accountable, it will take improvements in many different areas to curb medical malpractice incidents in a meaningful way. It is important that all solutions sought by the health care system encourage the best that medical professionals can be while empowering patients and, if incidents happen, victims. Those who have been the victim of medical malpractice in Illinois should speak with an attorney about their potential case.