Study shows patients receive the same level of care throughout the year

No one likes to go to the hospital. Going to the hospital generally means that something is wrong with an individual, and undergoing surgery can be a frightening experience. However, New York City residents usually anticipate that their fears will be calmed by competent hospital staff members.

Unfortunately, cases involving hospital negligence are all too common. When people do not get the proper care that they deserve, they may suffer serious complications.

Every July, a new wave of medical residents arrives at teaching hospitals across the country. It has long been believed that people receive less quality care during the month of July because of the resident's inexperience. However, researchers have found that may not be true.

While there was a higher risk of postoperative infection and discharge to long-term care facilities, researchers found that people typically receive the same kind of care in July as they do at other times of the year.

"If there really was a July effect, we would expect it to manifest in these patients, and we didn't see it," the study's lead author said.

Although this study shows that patients usually receive the same level of care throughout the year, it does not mean that mistakes aren't bound to happen.

Sadly, people in New York City and beyond may be the victim of negligence. When that happens, people may feel helpless. Fortunately, they can pursue legal action against negligent medical professionals. A medical malpractice lawsuit won't take away the physical and emotional pain that people experience, but it can alleviate financial burdens.

Source: The New York Times, "Focus on Hospitals' 'July Effect'," Nicholas Bakalar, Feb. 4, 2013