What term describes the failure to act according to standard professional practice, resulting in patient injury?

The term that describes the failure to act according to standard professional practice, which results in patient injury, is malpractice. Malpractice specifically refers to professional negligence, where a healthcare provider fails to deliver services that meet the accepted standards in the profession, leading to harm or injury to the patient. In the context of healthcare, this can encompass a range of actions, such as incorrect diagnoses, improper treatment, or failure to obtain informed consent, among others.

This distinction is essential as it highlights the responsibility of healthcare professionals to adhere to established protocols and practices that ensure patient safety. When such standards are not met, and a patient is harmed as a direct result, the concept of malpractice comes into play, indicating a breach of the duty of care owed by the practitioner to the patient.

Other terms, while related to healthcare and legal implications, do not capture this specific scenario of professional negligence as accurately. Misconduct may imply unethical behavior but isn't limited to professional negligence causing injury. Negligence is broader and can apply to various situations beyond just the healthcare context, while liability refers to the legal responsibility for one’s actions or omissions, which could stem from malpractice or negligence but does not specifically define the act of failing to follow professional standards.