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Doctors’ Bad Handwriting is a huge problem that has been plaguing the medical industry for decades. It can be difficult for most of them to write legibly, leading to errors in their medical records and treatments.
Handwritten letters and notes are a part of the history of medicine. They were used to document the history of the medical field. Now, they are still used to communicating with patients, fellow healthcare professionals, and pharmacists.
There are various ways that doctors can improve their handwriting, including regularly practicing, using a writing tutor, and using a computer program designed specifically for improving handwriting.
In this article, we will examine why most doctors have poor handwriting skills and how to improve them.
Bad Handwriting of Doctors Causes Death Every Year
Doctors’ poor handwriting is a leading cause of death in the United States and the United Kingdom.
According to the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, the estimated death in Britain due to lousy handwriting by medical doctors is around 30,000 people per year.
In the USA, the judge penalized an American cardiologist for paying a 42-year-old patient a whopping $225,000 because the doctor prescribed 20mg Isordil. Still, the pharmacist gave Plendil; a calcium channel blocker used to treat hypertension.
A report from NBC News stated that a conservative estimate of death due to doctors’ handwriting is around 7,000 fatalities per year, while injuries are a staggering 1.5 million per year.
According to a study published in India Times, doctors’ handwriting is responsible for more than 44,000 deaths each year.
Physicians’ terrible handwriting will result in patients receiving incorrect treatments or not receiving any treatment at all. According to The National Academies of Sciences Engineering Medicine, poor penmanship can lead to misdiagnoses, missed opportunities for treatment, and cost billions of dollars. In addition, sloppy handwriting can also be difficult to read and understand and may result in multiple court cases against the doctor and hospital.
Why Do Doctors Have Bad Handwriting?
There are many possible explanations for why physicians have terrible handwriting. Some of the reasons include: -They may not have had regular handwriting instruction as children. -They may be more likely to use a keyboard than write by hand. -They may be less likely to take the time to practice handwriting regularly. -They may be more likely to rely on notes and electronic records instead of writing outpatient information themselves.
Doctors have a lot of important work to do, and they need to be able to write clearly and legibly. Unfortunately, many physicians have poor handwriting. This can lead to problems with communication and difficulty completing medical paperwork.
How Can Physicians Improve Their Handwriting?
There are several ways that doctors can improve their handwriting skills:
1) Practice writing frequently. Doctors should take the time to write notes and letters often. This will help them develop good handwriting habits and make the transition from cursive to print easier.
2) Do not use a lot of abbreviations. Abbreviations can be challenging to read and can also lead to bad handwriting.
3) Use a standard ballpoint pen. A classic ballpoint pen is easier to use, and it’s affordable too.
4) Hire a handwriting tutor so doctors can learn how to use proper penmanship techniques.
5) Doctors can get training in how to use software that helps them write more effectively.
6) Watch YouTube tutorials about proper penmanship.
7) Finally, they can visit the next door and find their orthopedic doctor buddy who can help them correct any writing issues that they may have.
What Are the Benefits of Good Handwriting for Physicians?
- Good handwriting can help physicians communicate more effectively with their patients.
- Good handwriting can help physicians avoid mistakes while writing notes
- They will put a smile on the faces of pharmacists when they read the prescriptions.
- Good handwriting can help physicians improve their speed and accuracy when writing medical documents.
- A physicians’ good handwriting will avoid medication errors, preventing injuries or fatalities.
Most physicians have poor handwriting skills because “probably” they are not taught how to write well. Perhaps we should include a handwriting course during pre-med and intern. The handwriting is poor, “probably” because they are used to writing on a computer or a laptop. However, this may apply to young MD. With the advent of technology such as tablets, mobile phones, laptops, and other computing gadgets, We assume that these doctors started their careers using these technologies. But what about the senior MD? Are they also using tech gadgets during their college years? We don’t think so.
The bottom line is that medical doctors need to learn how to write legibly and efficiently to communicate with patients and colleagues.
Overall, good handwriting is a valuable tool for doctors to help them perform their jobs better.
It’s Time To End MD’s Poor Penmanship and Introduce Technology
Technology must quickly replace doctors’ bad penmanship, especially when writing prescriptions as the standard methodology for giving patients medical instructions. This is due to several reasons, including that technology can be more accurate and efficient in providing patient information.
Additionally, it can help prevent medication errors that can lead to injuries and death.
Conclusion: Why Do Doctors Have Bad Penmanship?
Doctors’ Bad Handwriting can often be challenging to read and understand. This can lead to medical records, prescriptions, and other vital documents. There are several ways to improve physicians’ handwriting. Some of these methods include practice, using a comfortable pen, and hiring handwriting tutors. It is vital for doctors to take the time to improve their handwriting so that their patients can have easier access to their medical records and prescriptions.
