What is Overuse in Nursing?
Overuse in nursing refers to the provision of medical services that are more likely to cause harm than benefit to patients. This includes unnecessary
tests, procedures, treatments, or medications that do not improve patient outcomes and may lead to
adverse effects or increased healthcare costs.
Causes of Overuse
Several factors contribute to overuse in nursing: Defensive Medicine: Nurses and physicians may recommend additional tests or treatments to avoid potential liability.
Patient Expectations: Sometimes, patients demand specific tests or treatments even when they are not medically necessary.
Financial Incentives: Healthcare systems that reward quantity over quality may inadvertently promote overuse.
Lack of Awareness: Nurses may not always be up-to-date with the latest guidelines, leading to unnecessary interventions.
Examples of Overuse
Common examples include: Antibiotic Overuse: Prescribing antibiotics for viral infections where they are ineffective.
Excessive Imaging: Ordering unnecessary MRIs or CT scans for conditions where simpler tests would suffice.
Polypharmacy: The use of multiple medications that may not be necessary and can interact adversely.
Implications of Overuse
Overuse has several negative implications: Patient Harm: Unnecessary procedures can result in complications, infections, or medication side effects.
