Mar 12 3:20pm| Last reply Mar 13 10:43pm
Reply from Timothy Sumarsono
Negligence and Career Applications
Upon reviewing the previous discussion posts one issue that relates to a healthcare management career is negligence and the appropriate leadership responses. Though currently I am not working in a healthcare administration role, I aspire to work in a hospital system. With this future career in mind, the topic of negligence and medical malpractice seems quite applicable. Healthcare managers have a leadership role, working to manage and coordinate the operations of caregivers. When an incident such as medical malpractice in the form of negligence occurs, the manager must address the issue through fact finding, consulting expertise, and policy and procedure referencing. After an incident such as this is handled, policy and procedures of the institution should be reviewed and adjusted, if necessary, to prevent future incidents.
The learning materials and research performed for this class has provided a better understanding of negligence including the elements, possible situations where it can occur, and the outcomes. Negligence is defined as failure to behave with the level of care that a reasonable person would have exercised under the same circumstances (Legal Information Institute, n.d., para. 1). In the context of medical malpractice, this means that a healthcare professional committed or failed to commit an action that resulted in harm to a patient. This class emphasized that negligence is legally present when all elements of it are fulfilled. These elements are an established legal duty, a breach of that duty, actual harm, and proven cause of the harm (Legal Information Institute, n.d., para. 2). In court, these elements must be proven for an award to be given. Learning the definition and elements of negligence will help with carrying out the duties of a healthcare manager. Preemptively, actions can be taken to assure policy and procedure prevent negligence. These policies and procedures can also be taught and enforced so that employees have a reduced risk of being negligent. If an incident does occur, the course materials and previous discussions have taught me to conduct fact-finding and determine liability if assigned. For a healthcare manager, the liability investigation might not be as applicable. After an incident, policy and procedure must be reviewed and adapted if necessary. Through the simulations, a wide variety of possible negligence cases were presented. This helped give perspective on the type of situations that can occur at a hospital.
Great ethical and social takeaways were found in the biblical integration sections of previous discussions. The interactive learning assignments presented simulated reactions and stories of caregivers, prompting several interesting ethical dilemmas. One simulation in particular, a nurse directly lied about her involvement in an incident. This prompted a response both in the simulated email recommendation for disciplinary actions and the biblical integration section of the discussion. Understanding the legal ramifications of incidents such as negligence and the ethical issues surrounding it helps with skills development for the career of healthcare management. The bible should not just be applied to situations but be the foundation for a christian professionals every action. Hebrews 4:12 says For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart (ESV). The Bible provides clear advice and discernment for all situations. Ethical issues in healthcare such as negligence of a caregiver must be understood from the perspective of Gods word, thus allowing healthcare professionals to act wisely in their handling of the situation.
The lessons from this class have provided insight to the legal situations that affect the healthcare field. I feel better prepared for a career as a healthcare manager.
References
English Standard Version Bible. (2001). Hebrews 4:12. Bible Gateway.
Legal Information Institute. (2023, July). Negligence. Cornell Law School.
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