When you visit a doctor, you trust that every test result and diagnosis is aimed at your well-being. Increasingly, that trust extends to the technology doctors use as well. From electronic fetal monitoring systems to AI-driven diagnostic tools, algorithms are playing an expanding role in healthcare. But what happens when these algorithms get it wrong?
Errors in diagnosing maternal and newborn conditions can have devastating consequences. For parents experiencing pregnancy or caring for a newborn, the stakes couldn’t be higher. This technology, designed to support medical professionals, can become a liability when misused or when the system itself is flawed. When these mistakes result in harm, they may even form the foundation for a medical malpractice case.
How Technology Is Changing Medical Diagnostics
Over the last decade, technology has transformed the medical field. Machine learning tools now analyze test results, interpret imaging scans, and recommend diagnoses based on patterns and probabilities in vast datasets. This can make healthcare faster and more efficient, offering doctors better tools for making informed decisions.
For example:
- Electronic Fetal Monitoring (EFM): These systems track a baby's heart rate during labor to detect signs of distress or complications.
- AI-Assisted Imaging: Systems that review ultrasounds or MRIs to flag potential conditions faster than humans.
- Genetic Screening Tools: Algorithms that crunch genetic data to predict health risks for both mothers and babies.
These systems become especially useful when handling complex or rare conditions. They can identify early signs of issues like preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, or neonatal sepsis—diagnoses that might otherwise be missed. However, like any tool, these algorithms have limitations, and their use or design errors can have life-altering effects.
The Risks of Faulty Algorithms in Maternal and Newborn Care
While algorithms have the potential to enhance diagnostic reliability, they can also fail in significant ways. These failures typically occur due to data issues, human misuse, or system design flaws. Here's how these errors can happen:
1. Garbage in, Garbage Out
Algorithms are only as good as the data they’re fed. An algorithm trained on incomplete, biased, or outdated data might produce incorrect or skewed results. For example:
- Bias in Data Sets: If the training data lacks diversity, the algorithm might misdiagnose conditions in patients from underrepresented backgrounds. Studies show disparities in maternal health outcomes for women of color, which biased tools could exacerbate.
- Incomplete Data: An algorithm trained on older equipment or patient cases from decades ago may fail to account for updated medical practices or advancements in care.
Such errors can, for instance, lead to false reassurance that a baby's heartbeat is normal, delaying intervention during labor.
2. Human Error in Using the Technology
Even the best algorithms require proper use by medical professionals. Misinterpreting algorithmic findings or relying on them without question can result in diagnostic mistakes. For instance:
- Over-Reliance on Automation: Doctors might trust the system too much, even when a diagnosis doesn’t align with a patient’s symptoms.
- Ignoring Warning Signs: A provider might dismiss a parent’s concerns about a baby’s health because the system indicated that everything was fine.
These scenarios put both the mother and baby at risk, especially in time-critical situations where every second matters.
3. Software or Hardware Failures
Faulty hardware or software bugs can produce outright incorrect results. For example:
- A glitch might cause EFM devices to misread fetal heart rates.
- A programming error might result in incorrect genetic test results, leading to improper medical advice.
When these failures impact patient care or outcomes, they raise legal questions about responsibility and accountability.
When Faulty Algorithms Cross the Line into Malpractice
Not every diagnostic error constitutes medical malpractice. To make a valid legal claim, certain conditions must be met. Typically, it must be proven that:
- The error caused harm. A missed or incorrect diagnosis must directly result in injury or negative outcomes.
- There was negligence. This means a medical professional didn’t meet a reasonable standard of care. For example, negligence may be at play if a doctor ignored obvious symptoms because they relied entirely on an algorithm.
- The duty of care was violated. Doctors have a legal and ethical obligation to provide safe and competent care. Failure to investigate or validate a diagnosis from an algorithm could be seen as a breach of that duty.
When technology contributes to malpractice, blame doesn’t always rest solely with the doctor. Liability can also extend to hospitals, device manufacturers, or software developers. These parties are responsible for ensuring their tools are accurate, safe, and used properly.
What Parents Should Do If They Suspect Malpractice
You don't have to face it alone if you believe a diagnostic error has harmed you or your baby. Here are some actionable steps to take:
- Document Everything. Start keeping detailed records of your medical care, appointments, test results, and technology used during your pregnancy or delivery. Note any instances where your concerns were ignored.
- Seek a Second Medical Opinion. If something feels wrong, trust your instincts. Another doctor might catch what was missed the first time.
- Request Medical Records. You have the right to see the medical records from your pregnancy, delivery, and your newborn’s health. These may include notes on diagnostic tools used or potential issues flagged by technology.
- Contact a Medical Malpractice Attorney. An experienced malpractice attorney can evaluate your case, review expert opinions, and determine whether you have legal grounds to file a claim. Many law firms offer free consultations, so it’s worth starting the discussion.
- Act Quickly. Medical malpractice cases are subject to statutes of limitations, which vary by state. Prompt action is crucial to ensure your case is heard.
San Antonio Medical Malpractice Lawyers
Maloney Law Group, P.L.L.C., a Personal Injury Law Firm located in San Antonio, TX, is dedicated to empowering individuals through informed decisions regarding medical diagnostics. If you have encountered challenges or errors with faulty algorithms in the healthcare sector, we’re here to support you. Reach out to our expert legal team to learn more about your rights and find solutions tailored to your situation. Contact us today at (210) 361-2997 together, we can navigate the complexities of healthcare diagnostics and ensure your peace of mind and safety.