What does patient neglect mean? There are different definitions of neglect, and they usually vary between patients, families, health care providers and institutions. Research suggests there are two types of neglect an individual might experience in a hospital or long-term care facility: procedure neglect and caring neglect.
According to Reader and Gillespie (2013) “Procedure neglect refers to failings in care that fall
short of objective and observable institutional and professional standards (e.g. protocols, and regulations)” while caring neglect “refers to failings in care that are below the threshold of being proceduralised…yet lead patients, family and the public to believe that staff are unconcerned about the emotional and physical wellbeing of patients.”
Patients who have suffered serious physical trauma, for example head injury, broken bones, organ damage, spinal cord injury, often need long term rehabilitation. Some may need life-long institutional care. Long term outcomes, pain and suffering, and quality of life are all directly impacted by the care provided by an institution. Possible complications from inadequate care include pressure ulcers, aspiration pneumonia, inadequate nutrition, lack of exercise and mental stimulation.
Why Does it Happen?
Numerous studies identify being overworked most commonly leads to both procedural and caring neglect. When a care provider does not have adequate resources, is burdened with too many patients, or has worked a great deal of overtime, patient care often suffers. Caregivers make decisions about who gets what type of care when, and have to prioritize what they complete during their shift.
Fatigue and chronic overwork also lead to caregiver burnout. When this happens there is a lower motivation to provide care; fatigue and a sense of being overwhelmed can lead to hopelessness.
Organizations are responsible for ensuring that adequate staff is available, that all staff has been able to complete required training and that there is adequate rest between shifts. Institutional leadership is key in ensuring patients receive the care they deserve.
Contact Dr. Greg Vigna if you feel your loved one has suffered neglect while receiving medical care.
Duncan E, Murray J: The barriers and facilitators to routine outcome measurement by allied health professionals in practice: a systematic review. BMC Health Serv Res 2012, 12:96.
Zhang Z, Schiamberg L, Oehmke J, Barboza G, Griffore R, Post L, Weatherill R, Mastin T: Neglect of older adults in Michigan Nursing Homes. J Elder Abuse Negl 2011, 23:58–74.
Jewkes R, Abrahams N, Mvo Z: Why do nurses abuse patients? Reflections from South African obstetric services. Soc Sci Med 1998, 47:1781–1795.
