What is the term for failure to meet the standard of care that results in harm?

The term for failure to meet the standard of care that results in harm is negligence. In the context of healthcare, negligence refers to a situation where a healthcare professional does not act with the level of care that a reasonably competent professional would provide in a similar situation. This failure can lead to harm or injury to a patient, making it a critical concept in both medical ethics and legal contexts.

Negligence is primarily concerned with the standard of care, which refers to the degree of caution and concern an ordinary person must take in a given situation. Inadequate attention to safety protocols, improper technique during a procedure, or failure to monitor a patient post-treatment can all be seen as forms of negligence if they result in harm to the patient.

Other terms, while related, differ in their specific definitions and implications. Battery refers to intentional harm or offensive contact, which is different from the unintentional aspect of negligence. Incompetence implies a lack of ability or skill, which may lead to negligence but is not synonymous with it. Malpractice specifically refers to negligence by a professional in their duty of care but is used in a more legal context. Therefore, negligence is the most accurate term for this situation, capturing the essence of unintentional harm resulting from