Being a doctor is probably one of the most difficult and tedious jobs. Doctors are indeed lifesavers and should be respected. However, at the end of the day, they are humans and can make mistakes, leading to medical malpractice cases. Doctor fatigue is a concern nowadays because doctors do not get enough sleep and make errors in treating patients.
If you have been mistreated, misdiagnosed, or prescribed the wrong medications by a doctor, you deserve compensation. The doctor must ensure they are completely rested and fresh before starting their duty, especially when treating a patient. To know more about your legal rights, click here and hire a medical malpractice attorney today.
Is fatigue still an issue for doctors and nurses?
Medical professionals are no different than other people. As everyone else suffers from fatigue and tiredness after not resting for a long time or not getting enough sleep, doctors and nurses experience the same. According to research conducted by Patient Safety Network, 75% of doctors and nurses have suffered from fatigue. The longer their shift is, the more it increases their chances of error.
This is mainly because sleep and rest majorly affect how your brains operate. Healthcare workers stress the importance of a seven to nine-hour sleep schedule but forget to follow their own advice.
How is fatigue dangerous for a doctor?
Fatigue and lack of sleep and rest can greatly affect the ability of a person to work efficiently and with their entire focus. The job of a doctor and other medical providers is already complex. Being exhausted means, they won’t be completely focused on their work, increasing the chances of an error. Fatigue in doctors can harm other people and sometimes even take their life. The number one cause of fatigue in doctors is sleep deprivation.
When fatigue leads to malpractice
When a doctor or nurse is fatigued, they cannot be on top of their abilities. A doctor could misread a patient’s chart, leading to misdiagnosis. Fatigue could also cause a nurse to misplace test results and delay getting vital information about a patient’s health. Perhaps one of the worst cases of fatigue is seen in surgeons because it risks them making a surgical error.
Doctors should follow a strict sleep schedule and not allow fatigue to impact patient care. It goes against the standard of care that doctors are supposed to provide. Consult with a medical malpractice attorney today.
