What is a consequence of departures from established practice guidelines?

Departures from established practice guidelines can lead to potential liability risk exposure because established guidelines are designed to ensure a standard of care that protects both patients and healthcare providers. When healthcare practitioners deviate from these guidelines, they may not be following the best practices recognized within the field, which increases the risk of adverse patient outcomes. If a patient suffers harm as a result, the healthcare provider or institution may face legal consequences, including malpractice claims, as they cannot demonstrate adherence to a recognized standard of care.

In contrast, operational efficiency, patient consent, and staff morale do not directly correlate with the act of departing from established guidelines. While operational efficiency may be influenced by adherence to guidelines, deviating from them does not inherently enhance it. Similarly, patient consent is a separate aspect of legal and ethical healthcare practices and is not diminished when guidelines are followed. Lastly, staff morale could be impacted negatively if guidelines are ignored, as staff may feel unsupported or uncertain about their roles in patient care. Thus, potential liability risk exposure stands out as the primary consequence of straying from established practices.