What is one potential consequence of not adhering to healthcare policy?

Not adhering to healthcare policy can potentially lead to harm to both the healthcare provider and the individual receiving care. Healthcare policies are designed to establish protocols that ensure the safety and well-being of patients as well as the integrity of the care provided by healthcare professionals. When these policies are ignored, the likelihood of medical errors increases, which can directly jeopardize patient safety, resulting in negative health outcomes.

For example, failure to follow infection control protocols may lead to hospital-acquired infections, endangering patients' health. Furthermore, if healthcare providers fail to adhere to ethical guidelines, it could harm the therapeutic relationship and trust between the provider and the patient, which is crucial for effective treatment.

In contrast, options highlighting increased patient satisfaction, enhanced workplace safety, or higher healthcare costs do not directly relate to the immediate consequences of neglecting established healthcare policies. These aspects are typically the result of adhering to policies, rather than the result of non-compliance.