Which situation is least likely to result in an accusation of negligence?

The situation that is least likely to result in an accusation of negligence is a poor patient outcome. A poor outcome, while it can be distressing and may raise concerns among patients and families, does not automatically suggest that negligence has occurred. For a negligence claim to be substantiated, there must be evidence that the healthcare provider failed to meet the standard of care, which involves evaluating the actions taken during the patient’s treatment rather than just the final result.

Inadequate documentation, failure to follow protocols, and incompetent medical practice are situations where evidence of a deviation from accepted standards of care can be clearly established. For example, inadequate documentation may impair the ability to accurately assess the care that was provided and could support a claim of negligence. Similarly, failing to adhere to established protocols can indicate a lack of appropriate care. Incompetent medical practice directly suggests that the practitioner did not possess the necessary skills or knowledge, which is a critical factor in establishing negligence. Therefore, while poor patient outcomes provoke scrutiny, they do not inherently imply negligence without corresponding evidence of failure in care.