A growing body of scientific research suggests cognitive biases are impeding physicians’ abilities to treat patients properly. A range of systematic errors in human-decision making is being linked back to the cognitive biases.

According to an article in The New York Times, bias affects how doctors make treatment decisions. This can affect whether patients live or die. While awareness of biases has prompted efforts to reduce them in clinic-decision making, they still have the ability to result in negligence.

On Nov. 7 of this year, The Leapfrog Group published a health care safety report that graded Arkansas’s hospitals on their ability to safely care for patients. While the number of hospitals with “A” grades has doubled since the report published earlier this year in May, that only brought the number to a mere four hospitals in the state.

Not all hospitals give the same quality of care. Patients need reliable hospitals with skilled doctors, nurses, and a system that prioritizes the health and safety of everyone who enters the building. Unfortunately, those in Arkansas may not be getting the best care from their hospitals.

When it comes to hospital safety, Arkansas ranks 45^th in the country. Only two Arkansas hospitals were given the A rating—Ouachita County Medical Center in Camden and Mercy Hospital Fort Smith. The Leapfrog Group, a non-profit that focuses on health care, released this report. There were hospitals that earned D grades: Jefferson Regional Medical Center in Pine Bluff, Baptist Health Hospital in Fort Smith and Little Rock, CHI St. Vincent Infirmary in Little Rock, and Northwest Medical Center-Springdale. Arkansas also has an F-ranking hospital: National Park Medical Center in Hot Springs.

Whenever a medical professional acts negligently, they can harm their patient. Medical errors can have severe consequences. In order to get compensation for the injuries and damages you’ve suffered, you may be able to get help from a medical malpractice lawyer. At McMath Woods, P.A., we understand that what you’re going through is overwhelming, but we’re here to make sure you get the justice you deserve.

Medical negligence cases take time and a lot of care. There are often many angles at play, including those held by insurance companies, hospitals, and independent contractor physicians. Our attorneys won’t be intimidated by insurance companies or large hospitals. When medical professionals make mistakes and bring harm to innocent people, they need to be held accountable for their actions. With us at your side, we’ll make sure your voice is heard.