What does the term "misuse" refer to in a healthcare context?

In the healthcare context, "misuse" specifically refers to inappropriate treatments. This can encompass a wide range of actions where medical interventions are employed that do not align with established clinical guidelines or best practices, potentially compromising patient safety and health outcomes.

The focus on inappropriate treatments highlights the risks associated with clinicians administering care that may not be warranted for the patient's specific condition or situation. Such actions may derive from misdiagnoses, lack of proper clinical judgement, or external pressures in the healthcare environment. It emphasizes the importance of adhering to evidence-based practices to ensure patient safety and quality care.

While overprescribing medication, delayed care delivery, and unnecessary surgeries are problematic in healthcare and can lead to adverse outcomes, they each represent specific issues within the broader category of misuse. Misuse encompasses the overall concept of not applying appropriate treatments rather than focusing on just one aspect like prescription or procedural errors.