Negligence is something that all organisations want to avoid, but this isn’t always easy. This is evident from the sheer number of medical negligence claims made each year in the UK, with over 13,000 made annually. Technological advancements are changing the way that the health industry operates, but are these changes reducing the number of negligence cases? Let’s take a look.
Better Diagnostics
Advancements in technology, such as medical imaging techniques and diagnostic algorithms, allow professionals to make more accurate diagnoses, which is obviously beneficial for all parties. Additionally, AI allows for partial automation of tasks which can suggest diagnoses. It has also been used during surgery and has produced significantly better results than human surgeons. This ensures the rate of misdiagnoses and injuries is greatly reduced each year to improve patient care standards and reduce the number of medical negligence claims.
Genomics & Precision Medicine
The NHS now has the ability to perform whole genomic sequencing, which can be an effective way to determine causation. For example, whole genomic sequencing can be used to see whether a claimant who suffered a neurological injury from surgery didn’t have a pre-existing condition or predisposition to neurological impairment. New technologies and competition mean that whole genomic sequencing is much more affordable and will become more widespread.
Improved Efficiency
Patients are being empowered to actively participate in their care through patient portals and electronic health records. These allow patients to access their medical records, schedule appointments, and communicate with providers efficiently if they believe they require further help or if something has gone wrong during their treatment. Patients can also update their records in real-time for more accurate information, which allows doctors to make informed decisions and avoid mistakes.
Reduces Cyber Threats
It is not just a misinterpretation of data that increases the risk of negligence. With sensitive data captured in large quantities, breaches can lead to patient data being leaked to criminals. Robust cyber security measures are being used in devices and systems to prevent this, alongside detailed response plans to swiftly address any breaches. Cybercrime is becoming a greater threat to healthcare (as well as other industries), so this is an area that healthcare providers must keep up with.
As you can see, technology is transforming the healthcare industry in 2025. In addition to improving the standard of care for patients, this technology can also help healthcare providers avoid medical negligence claims. This is obviously hugely beneficial from a patient standpoint, but it can also help save healthcare organisations enormous sums while helping them protect their reputations.
