Knowledge Library

A Mismanaged Virtual Visit

This case study was put together by our partners at CRICO and was written by Jennifer Vuu Sanchez, CRICO A 13-year-old who underwent an exam via telemedicine for a finger abscess later required amputation. Key Lessons A thorough assessment is needed prior to making recommendations for the plan of care. Convert to an in-person visit when technical problems or the need for a physical assessment compromise a virtual visit. Ensure that the patient (and family) understands and can repeat back your discharge instructions. Clinical Sequence Day 1: A 13-year-old female with a history of chronic dermatitis presented to urgent care...

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Lack of follow up for incidental finding results in poor outcome for patient

This case study was put together by our partners at CRICO and was written by Julie Hidgen, CRICO A 58-year-old patient who was not informed of an incidental finding on CT scan was later diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer and renal cancer. Key Lessons Proper closed-loop communication to patients following test results with incidental findings is essential in mitigating risk related to missed or delayed diagnoses Document conversations and recommendations for follow-up testing with patients Regulatory changes that give patients immediate access to all test results may empower patients, improve communication, and prevent missed follow up from abnormal test...

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Is the Procedure Being Performed What the Patient Consented To?

This case study was put together by our partners at CRICO and was written by Jennifer Vuu Sanchez, CRICO Description 28% of surgery cases with a communication breakdown involved an inadequate consent process. Risk: Failure to obtain a complete informed consent for procedure provided The procedure that the patient was referred for was intentionally changed from her left ear to her right without reengaging the consent process. Closed Malpractice Case A 25-year-old female with history of an acoustic neuroma resection on the right side and neurofibromatosis type II (a genetic tumor suppressor syndrome) was referred for a Gamma Knife radiosurgery....

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Intraoperative Arrest During Knee Surgery

This case study was put together by our partners at CRICO and was written by Jason Boulanger, CRICO Description A 53-year-old male died intraoperatively during an elective total knee replacement after suffering a cardio-pulmonary arrest. Key Lesson Clear communication on the care plan among care team members and prompt escalation in situations of patient decompensation is crucial to safe care, especially in the operative setting. Clinical Sequence A 53-year-old male with a history significant for obesity, hypertension, and a prior right-knee surgery arrived at the hospital for a partial left knee replacement. The patient’s vital signs at the preoperative evaluation...

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Fragmented Care Delayed a Diagnosis of Meningitis

This case study was made available to MIEC through our partnership with CRICO. It was written by Melissa DeMayo, CRICO Description Six days after his initial visit to Urgent Care for ear pain and facial paralysis—and after three CT scans—a 28-year-old man was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis. Key Lessons A patient’s return for care with worsening symptoms should trigger a diagnostic questioning protocol Fragmented patient care increases the need for concurrent communication among providers Clinical Sequence A 28-year-old man presented to Urgent Care with complaints of right ear pain and right-sided facial paralysis. At this visit, impacted ear wax was...

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