Misusing health services

Need to know

What you need to know

• Misuse involves inappropriate or excessive use of healthcare resources.
• It exists on a spectrum from unintentional (e.g., A&E for a cold) to psychologically driven disorders.
• Key impacts include financial strain on services and increased waiting times.
• It can also lead to iatrogenic (medically induced) harm for the individual.

Explanation

Misusing health services

1. Misuse involves inappropriate or excessive use of healthcare resources.
2. It exists on a spectrum from unintentional (e.g., A&E for a cold) to psychologically driven disorders.
3. Key impacts include financial strain on services and increased waiting times.
4. It can also lead to iatrogenic (medically induced) harm for the individual.