Standard of Care

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Standard of Care

Standard of Care (pronunciation: /ˈstandərd əv ker/) is a term used in the medical and legal fields to denote the degree of prudence and caution required of an individual who is under a duty of care.

Etymology

The term originates from the English common law, where it was used to describe the level of service or care that a reasonable person would provide in similar circumstances.

Definition

In the medical field, the Standard of Care refers to the appropriate treatment process that a healthcare professional should follow for a certain type of patient, illness, or clinical circumstance. It is based on evidence from medical research and consensus of medical professionals in the same field.

Related Terms

  • Duty of Care: A legal obligation imposed on an individual requiring adherence to a standard of reasonable care while performing any acts that could foreseeably harm others.
  • Medical Malpractice: A legal cause of action that occurs when a medical professional deviates from standards in his or her profession, thereby causing injury to a patient.
  • Clinical Practice Guidelines: Statements that include recommendations intended to optimize patient care that are informed by a systematic review of evidence and an assessment of the benefits and harms of alternative care options.

Legal Implications

In legal terms, the Standard of Care is used to determine negligence in medical malpractice cases. If a healthcare provider fails to meet the Standard of Care and causes harm to a patient, they may be held legally responsible for that harm.

Variations

The Standard of Care can vary depending on several factors, including the patient's age and overall health, the stage and severity of the disease, and the available resources.

External links

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