This case study was made available to MIEC through our partnership with CRICO. It was written by Lisa Heard, CRICO Description A patient suffers an infection when a biliary stent that should have been removed after three months is discovered still in place after 12 months. Key Lessons Determination among providers regarding accountability for patient follow-up is essential to prevent gaps in care. The discharging provider must have systems in place to confirm that the subsequent provider received information needed to accurately care for the patient. Information transfer involves physicians, nurses, care managers, office personnel, and information technology staff. Unresolved...
This case study was made available to MIEC through our partnership with CRICO. It was written by Kathy Zigmont, CRICO Description A 74-year-old male undergoing a temporal artery biopsy suffered second-degree burns on his face when oxygen came into contact with the electrocautery device being used for the procedure. Key Lessons The risk of an operating room (OR) fire should be assessed in the holding area, as well as early in the time out checklist Implement standardized annual OR fire education for all team members Clinical Sequence A 74-year-old male with a history of right-sided neck pain and temporal headaches...
Fatal Injuries after Inadequate Wound Treatment and Documentation
This case study was made available to MIEC through our partnership with CRICO. It was written by Jennifer Clair MacCready, DNP, RN, AHCNS-BC, CRICO Description Poor documentation and inadequate wound treatment at a skilled nursing facility (SNF) contributed to an elderly patient’s death. Clinical Events A 75-year-old female with a medical history of peripheral vascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, and deep vein thrombosis was admitted to the hospital with an acute exacerbation of her chronic heart failure. Upon admission, the initial documentation stated the patient had a pressure ulcer on her coccyx that was later changed to “wound incontinence breakdown to...
This case study was made available to MIEC through our partnership with CRICO. It was written by Jennifer Vuu Sanchez, CRICO Description A 60-year-old male’s allegation of a failure to diagnose colon cancer was complicated by his undocumented refusals of recommended cancer screenings. Key Lessons Inadequate documentation of a patient’s refusal of cancer screening falls below the standard of care. A patient’s refusal of cancer screening, risks related to the refusal, and alternatives offered to the patient should always be documented in the patient’s medical record. Provide patient education on the importance of cancer screenings and document the patient’s level...
Diagnosis of Aortic Dissection Delayed by Mismanagement of Imaging Orders
This case study was made available to MIEC through our partnership with CRICO. It was written by Jack Hoffman CRICO Description A 60-year-old male seen in the ED for acute severe epigastric pain suffered a hypoxic brain injury and spinal paraplegia after mismanagement of imaging orders delayed the diagnosis of an aortic dissection. Key Lessons Instructions for patients who call with potentially life-threatening conditions should reflect the urgency (e.g., “get to the nearest ED, immediately”) Abnormal vital signs merit a higher ESI (emergency severity index). Diagnostic study orders should prioritize immediate life threats as well as the likelihood of possible...