Although medical practitioner causes the negligence, there is a certain sense of care to be observed by the patients to avoid any actions that may aid medical negligence. These are the duties of the patients towards medical professionals:
Information: The most important responsibility of the patient is to provide information about the medical history of themselves to the best of knowledge to the consulting medical practitioner. The patient and his family are responsible for providing accurate information relating to his current illness, past episodes, any medications, surgeries, allergies, or previous adverse reaction. No information regarding the patient's medical background is trivial, and the consulting medical professional should be made aware of that.
To Clear Misunderstandings: The patient and his family members should consult the doctor in case of any misunderstanding relating to the treatment given to the patient. It is common knowledge that the medical terms used by the doctors are difficult for a layman to understand. The doctor is generally not aware of how much the patient understands; hence, the patient should ask the doctor for clarity.
Instructions: Any instruction given by the doctors should be followed thoroughly. The patient is responsible for following the action plan both the times, pre and post of the treatment. The patient shall be responsible for any consequences and will have to accept the results and the outcomes if these instructions are not followed diligently.
Other Treatments: The patient must inform the medical consultant of any other ongoing treatment with other doctors. Sometimes double treatments can be the cause of worsening the condition of the patient.
Rules & Regulations of the hospital: The patient and his family owe a duty of care towards the other patients and medical staff. He must follow the rules and regulations of the hospital and not disrupt the services to hamper his treatment or that of the other patients.
Financial Commitments: Although the medical fraternity is responsible for taking up any case brought to them, the patient has to fulfil any financial commitments given to the hospital. When a patient is brought to a hospital (except under emergency cases), it is implied that the service given by the hospital shall be payable by the consumer, i.e. the patient.
Report any fraudulent activity: This point is regarding medical payment fraud through medicare laws. For instance: Being charged for services that are not rendered. The patient must bring to light and report any known fraudulent medical bill payment activities.
Generally speaking, the above actions in a standalone manner will not amount to medical negligence, however, in a court of law, they may be considered as actions by patients that aid medical negligence and hence lower the claim of negligence to be demanded from the doctor.
By: Admin
Date: Jul 24th 2019
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