There are certainly positive sides to doctors using cellphones while they are at work. They may be able to keep up on medical news or new developments. Cellphones make it easier to check electronic health records or consult clinical reference materials. They also give doctors a way to communicate with their colleagues when they need advice or guidance.
But much like with drivers, cellphones can also be a significant distraction. In some cases, distracted doctors make mistakes that never would have happened otherwise.
A fast-paced environment
One thing to keep in mind is that a hospital is often a fast-paced environment, where doctors have to treat numerous patients with a wide range of conditions, moving from appointment to appointment. If the doctor is distracted and looking at their phone, it increases the chances that they will make a mental mistake, such as confusing which patient they are treating or which procedure they are supposed to be carrying out.
In some cases, this may just lead to minor mistakes or oversights, such as a doctor getting distracted and then being late to check up on a patient who is spending the night in the hospital. But in other cases, mistakes could be incredibly serious. A distracted doctor could mix up medications, for instance, potentially giving a patient a medication that they are allergic to or two different medications that have a dangerous interaction.
When medical mistakes happen and patients suffer harm, it is important for them and their family members to understand exactly what legal options they may have to seek compensation.
