This case study was put together by our partners at CRICO and was written by Melissa DeMayo, CRICO Description A 55-year-old man’s lung cancer diagnosis was delayed by five years after an initial X-ray was misread and no follow-up study was performed. Key Lessons Misinterpretation of diagnostic studies is the primary contributing factor in Radiology medical professional liability (malpractice) claims Failure or delay in performing indicated diagnostic studies is a key cause of missed cancer diagnoses A persistent patient complaint signals a need to expand the diagnostic focus Clinical Sequence A 55-year-old male with a significant pack/year history of smoking...
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...
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...
Brain Damage Follows Inattention to Newborn’s Jaundice
This case study was made available to MIEC through our partnership with CRICO. It was written by Annette Roberts, CRICO Description A newborn developed brain damage after indications of hyperbilirubinemia went unattended. Key Lessons Mothers of newborns rely on their caregivers to give thorough attention to signs or symptoms of identified risks Non-adherence to a hospital policy that addresses an extraordinary clinical risk is indefensible Lack of an adequate response to this mother’s specific concerns and her baby’s clearly reported worsening condition risks preventable harm Clinical Sequence Immediately post-delivery (cesarean), the mother (G3P3) and newborn girl were noted to have...
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...