What does abandonment in a medical context mean?

In a medical context, abandonment refers to the act of leaving a patient after care has commenced, without ensuring that the patient will receive the necessary follow-up or alternative care. This concept is critical in healthcare because it can lead to adverse outcomes for the patient, as they may be left without the support or medical attention they need. When a healthcare provider starts a treatment or intervention, they have a legal and ethical obligation to continue care until it is no longer appropriate or until they can ensure the patient's safety by transferring them to another qualified provider.

Abandonment can occur in various scenarios, such as a nurse walking away from a patient in distress or a physician discontinuing treatment without properly transitioning the patient to another care provider. This breach of duty can expose healthcare professionals to liability and a loss of trust from patients, emphasizing the importance of continuity in patient care.