Antibiotics can help save the lives of New York patients. However, when they are misused, they can create harm for patients as well as decrease their effectiveness in the future. This may be especially true for those who live in a long-term care facility. Often, antibiotics are given to those who have been misdiagnosed as having a urinary tract infection, and they are among the most prescribed medications in nursing homes.
However, they may be prescribed incorrectly in as many as three out of four cases. The lack of proper treatment of UTIs and other bacterial infections may be the result of incorrect assumptions. This may result in the overuse of antibiotics and an unwillingness to change a course of treatment in the face of lab results. A tool created by the Pennsylvania Medical Directors Association may result in better treatment of UTIs and decrease the potential for bacteria that is resistant to antibiotics.
If a person’s condition has been misdiagnosed, it could result in an improper course of treatment. This may result in side effects that could have negative consequences for an individual while failing to treat the initial condition. In some cases, a misdiagnosis could be classified as nursing home neglect or malpractice in general.
In the event that a nursing home does engage in behavior that rises to the level of neglect, the injured person may have grounds to pursue legal action. It is also possible that the family of the victim may take action against the nursing home. If successful, it may be possible for the victim or victim’s family to obtain financial compensation for medical bills and other costs.
