This case study was made available to MIEC through our partnership with CRICO. It was written by Kristin O’Reilly, RN, BSN, MPH, CRICO Description A 68-year-old male suffered from septic shock after being discharged from an inpatient setting before any action was taken on a critical lab result. Key Lessons Closed loop communication to the care team for all critical results is crucial to the safe care of patients. Review of pending or outstanding labs with a patient prior to their discharge is necessary to ensure appropriate follow up and symptom monitoring. Clinical Sequence Day 1: A 68-year-old male was...
“Ineffective care transition processes lead to: Adverse outcomes for patients, including medication errors, clinical progression of illness, lack of post-discharge follow up and avoidable emergency department visits; Decreased patient and staff satisfaction; Inappropriate use of resources; and, Financial penalties through reduction in reimbursement from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and other insurers.” The Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM) Case Study A 43-year-old married father of three was taken via ambulance to the ED with sudden onset of mid-sternal chest pain as well as numbness and pain radiating to his left arm. History obtained by paramedics included shortness of breath,...