In the context of healthcare, what does "professional negligence" refer to?

Professional negligence in healthcare, often referred to as malpractice, occurs when a healthcare provider fails to deliver the standard of care that a reasonably competent provider would have delivered in similar circumstances. This can include mistakes in diagnosis, treatment, aftercare, or health management.

When a provider does not meet the established standards of care, resulting in harm or injury to a patient, it signifies professional negligence. The legal implications of such negligence require the affected patient to demonstrate that the provider's actions fell short of what is expected in their profession, leading to a negative outcome.

In contrast, poor customer service does not have a direct connection to the clinical decision-making process or the standards of care and does not constitute professional negligence. Care that is considered acceptable reflects adherence to established standards, not a deviation from them, making it the opposite of negligence. Properly following healthcare regulations, while essential for compliance and safety in practice, does not address issues of care quality directly. Thus, the focus should remain on the provider’s responsibility to deliver competent care, which is the essence of professional negligence.