Adverse Events

“There are two sides to every story,” is what my mom use to always tell me.  Not every person thinks of things in the same way.  Just like the saying, “I didn’t mean it like that.”  People’s perspectives are different in every way.  Some people are extra sensitive while others just don’t think twice.  In healthcare we must be overly cautious when dealing with people, especially when an adverse event happens. 

While making my rounds on the floors, I overhear scenarios being describes on a daily basis.  He said this or she did that are relayed to the charge nurse.  It’s not to say that one person is right or wrong, but one mediator must hear both sides to the story and solve the problem to satisfy both parties involved.  We must also take into account the state of mind the patient is in.  If a person is drugged up and in pain, then a small event can turn into World War III.  One of the most complained about situations I hear is, “I didn’t get my medication today.”  We have to look at the reasons why that patient didn’t get their meds.  There is a wide range of possibilities such as the physician stopped the med temporarily, the nurse missed the dose, the med was given already and the patient didn’t know, or many more options.  Regardless of the event, whether it’s small or big must be handled accordingly and to the facility standards.  Something as simple as hand washing is an important way to prevent an adverse event such as transmitting MRSA to patients.  The hospital I work at requires you to foam in when entering a patient’s room and when leaving.  Extra precautions are made for certain cases, but they are strict when it comes to passing on infections.

Some adverse events are none that of the patient’s fault, so there is no question on whether or not the patient’s perspective is at play.  Operating on the wrong leg is that of the surgeon’s error.  But what happens when it comes to patients that fall?  There are a lot of questions that take part in answering why the patient fell.  Did the patient tell the nurse they were feeling dizzy or not able to walk?  Was the patient put on a fall alert?  Was the bed alarm on if the patient kept getting up when they were not supposed too?  There are so many answers to so many questions.  Fully understanding the situation at hand is important to solving the dilemma.  Listening to the patient when an adverse event happens is an important key to undertake.  This is not only important for the present matter, but also to make sure it doesn’t happen again in the future.                   

ORMC revolves around a patient first motto.  Everything that is done has a thought of putting the patient first in a situation.  It’s the kind of care that you, your family member, and friends would hope to receive.  I surely would like to know that the place where I am receiving healthcare puts my needs first.  This is an important concept in conjunction with preserving the facility’s reputation.  Word of mouth is a very strong issue that takes place.  We must always be on guard to prevent a negative outlook.  Who knows who might be watching?