Question

Explain the impact of negligence, malpractice, and litigation on the relationship between patient and provider.

Answer 1

The relationship between a patient and a provider is said to be the keystone of healthcare profession. The overall conversation and relation between a patient and their healthcare provider are build on trust, values, respect and compassion which put on responsibilty on the shoulders of the provider to keep patients’ well being above their own. A positive collaboration between a patient and a provider plays an very important role in the overall healing process and intended outcome.

However, this relationship starts diminishing once elements like negligence, malpractice, and litigation occurs from the side of the provider. The substantial relation between the patient and the provider which strengthens trust and inspired continuity of quality care for patient's health and well-being is totally lost. This deprivation in their relationship put a major negative impact on the ongoing patient care as well as put the provider at a higher risk of being sued. This also put both the entity into a state of emotional distress and low self-confidence which ultimetly hinders the main objective of the profession that is to provide qaulity care to the patient and take every measures to enhance a patient's health and well being. That is why it becomes very crucial for a provider who is responsible for the whole treatment and well being of their patient to safeguard this patient-provider relationship by avoiding such negligence, malpractice, or litigation and not let the patient abandon the ongoing treatment and preserve the continuity of care for the patient. Such unethical practice could potentially result in poor communication between a patient and a provider, lose of trust, ineffective information exchange or devaluation of their relationship. The patient could probably refuse or fail to understand the provider's perspective which can give rise to chances of medical error or negative overall outcome.