Post-Discharge Malpractice

Premature hospital discharge

Surgical errors are missed in the postoperative period. Overcrowding and overscheduling lead to missing the signs or symptoms that say we are not ready for discharge.  

Inadequate discharge instructions

Upon discharge from the hospital, patients often receive paperwork filled with medical instructions intended to protect the hospital and physician from responsibility if problems arise. However, these documents may lack clarity on critical aspects, such as when to seek further medical attention, when to return, and what specific symptoms to monitor. Simply handing over these documents does not ensure patients fully understand how to manage their care at home. 

Adverse drug events (ADEs)

These affect approximately 19% to 29% of adult and elderly patients after discharge, and can range from moderate to severe. Serious ADEs affect around 13.3% of adult patients and up to 81% of elderly patients, emphasizing the need for careful medication management and monitoring post-discharge.

Failure to diagnose

Misdiagnosing or failing to diagnose a condition before being discharged from the hospital can lead to a deterioration in the patient’s health. Commonly missed diagnoses include infections, deep vein thrombosis, and other conditions that can worsen without prompt treatment.

Lack of follow-up care

Not arranging for appropriate follow-up care or failing to communicate the need for follow-up can result in missed opportunities to address problems early. This can lead to the worsening of the patient's condition and potential readmission to the hospital.

Hospital-acquired infections

Patients discharged from the hospital with undiagnosed infections or improperly managed infections acquired during their hospital stay can suffer severe consequences once they return home.

Addressing these issues requires meticulous discharge planning, thorough patient education, and ensuring continuity of care. If you were injured by failures in any of these areas, you might have a case for discharge medical malpractice.