What is the definition of causation in the context of negligence?

In the context of negligence, causation refers to the relationship between an action or inaction and the resulting harm or injury. This concept is crucial because it establishes whether the negligent behavior directly led to the patient’s injury. For example, if a first aid responder fails to provide timely care and the patient suffers as a consequence, this failure to act can be seen as the cause of the injury.

Causation is vital in legal and medical contexts, as it helps to determine liability. It essentially seeks to answer the question: "Did the negligent act directly lead to the harm experienced?" Thus, identifying that actions or inactions resulted in patient injury is key to understanding how negligence operates within the framework of care and accountability.

The other options relate to different aspects of the medical and legal fields but do not specifically address the concept of causation in negligence. Obtaining consent is vital in medical scenarios, providing care indicates a duty but does not establish a direct link to injury, and documented procedures play a role in how care is delivered, but they do not address the causation element directly.