It’s no secret that over the last few decades, technology has transformed the way we live and work. Technology has even allowed 37% of the UK population to work completely remotely.
But technology isn’t just making our lives easier – it’s saving them. In the health care industry, technology helps improve and save countless lives due to its efficiency in operations. Can it also have a positive effect in medical negligence cases?
What is medical negligence?
Medical negligence refers to medical malpractice that occurs when a hospital or medical professional falls below the standard of care expected, due to a negligent act or omission.
Although we often find that our medical care is of a high standard, there are some instances where medical treatment falls below what’s expected.
According to NHS Resolution, in 2020/21, there were 12,629 clinical negligence claims against the NHS, an increase of 7.5% since 2019/20.
Although medical negligence cases are on the rise, it’s rumoured that one thing can stop medical negligence in its track: innovative technology.
What are the different ways technology can help reduce medical negligence cases?
As is the case with everything in life, human errors do occur. And with increased pressure on stretched medical services, these mistakes are likely to continue.
However, by harnessing the power of technology, the medical profession is working to reduce human errors, driving up standards.
Here’s how:
Machine learning and diagnosis
By using advanced algorithms, in theory, diagnosing diseases like cancer could be more effective than even the most skilful human. By analysing the wealth of data available online, the computer can draw on the worldwide knowledge of the disease to provide accurate diagnosis for patients.
Computer diagnosis and negligence
By using computer diagnosis, it’s rumoured that misdiagnosing diseases and illnesses will be reduced. As misdiagnosis is one of the most common forms of medical negligence, this could be revolutionary for the medical profession.
As medical professionals tend to be specialists in one area, by using a computer rather than human memory, the patient is much more likely to receive a diagnosis in cases where the problem lies outside the specialisms of specific doctors.
Unlike a human brain, a computer could have access to all the latest medical information in every specialisation.
Stop the blame game
If a misdiagnosis were to happen and the patient received a computer diagnosis, it’s far less likely that the patient would feel they had suffered negligence at the hands of a medical professional. This would therefore stop many of the medical negligence claims coming to court.
What to do if you need to bring a medical negligence claim forward?
Unfortunately, until the technology is ready to roll out nationwide, medical negligence still occurs. If you believe you have suffered from negligent care, it’s important to find a good solicitor local to you.
Now, all we do is wait.
The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.
