# Urgent Need for Patient Advocacy in Healthcare
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Chapter 1: A Tragic Surgical Mistake
During a vacation in Florida, William Bryan began to suffer from abdominal pain on his left side. After being evaluated at a nearby hospital, a surgeon persuaded him to undergo a splenectomy, warning of serious complications if he opted out.
Reluctantly, Bryan consented to the surgery, but during the procedure, the surgeon erroneously severed the blood vessels leading to Bryan's liver and mistakenly removed the liver instead of the spleen. Tragically, he bled to death on the operating table.
The liver, which is significantly larger and located in the upper right abdomen, is distinctly different from the spleen, found in the upper left. Such a critical error should never occur in a competent surgical environment.
Bryan’s widow has since called for accountability and is working to alert potential patients about this surgeon, as reported by NBC News. According to the family's attorney, there is evidence suggesting that this was not an isolated incident.
Section 1.1: Understanding Wrong-Site Surgery
Wrong-site surgery refers to the situation where a surgeon operates on the incorrect part of the body or mistakenly examines the wrong area. This is one of the most severe and visible surgical errors, with reports of surgeons operating on the wrong limb or even eye. Such mistakes can be fatal and often necessitate additional surgeries and extended hospital stays.
A case study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine highlighted an incident where doctors confused two patients due to a name error, resulting in an unintended cardiac procedure. Investigators identified at least 17 distinct errors leading to this unfortunate event.
From 1995 to 2005, The Joint Commission identified wrong-site surgery as the second most frequently reported sentinel event, with a significant number of these cases attributed to non-compliance with established protocols. This prompted the establishment of the Universal Protocol for Preventing Wrong-Site, Wrong-Procedure, and Wrong-Person Surgery in 2003.
The World Health Organization (WHO) initiated the Global Patient Safety Challenge, Safe Surgery Saves Lives, in 2008, establishing a surgical safety standard for member states. A Surgical Safety Checklist was developed to minimize errors and promote better communication and teamwork in surgical settings.
Section 1.2: Empowering Patients for Better Outcomes
Despite the preventability of wrong-site surgeries, mistakes can still occur. As the daughter of a physician, I learned an important lesson: "Be the squeaky wheel; that’s the one that gets attention."
Patients who remain passive in hospital settings may face dire consequences, while those who advocate for themselves and seek clarifications are more likely to receive the care they deserve.
A study in the Journal of Patient Safety examined patient reactions after unsatisfactory hospital experiences, underscoring the need for healthcare providers to be proactive in addressing patient concerns. The findings suggested that healthcare professionals should actively engage with patients expressing dissatisfaction to improve service delivery and patient safety.
A competent healthcare provider will welcome questions and not take offense if patients seek second opinions. Patients who take an active role in their healthcare often have more favorable outcomes.
Chapter 2: The Importance of Self-Advocacy
In matters of health, individuals should feel empowered to prioritize their well-being. However, many find it challenging to advocate for themselves, often due to a lack of role models or past experiences that discourage assertiveness.
A working paper from the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) revealed troubling racial disparities in C-section rates, showing that Black mothers with low-risk factors are more likely to undergo unnecessary procedures than their white counterparts. Such disparities can lead to increased medical risks and costs.
As a member of the Tri-Cities Community Action Team in Canada, I often encounter individuals grappling with substance use disorders stemming from mismanaged pain treatment, typically resulting from prescriptions of opioids without alternative therapies.
Effective self-advocacy involves clearly expressing one’s needs and understanding available resources. By being informed about treatment options and communicating assertively, patients can navigate their healthcare more effectively.
Loved Ones as Allies in Healthcare
When facing serious health challenges, it can be beneficial to bring a loved one to medical appointments. Prior research can also empower patients to ask informed questions. The overwhelming news of a serious diagnosis can hinder one’s ability to process information, making a supportive companion invaluable for note-taking and asking critical questions.
Some individuals may hesitate to voice their concerns to their doctors, fearing they might be a burden. This reluctance can lead to late diagnoses, preventing timely interventions. In situations where patients cannot communicate due to illness, loved ones may need to make difficult decisions on their behalf.
Taking care of our health is crucial, and being proactive about our medical care is key. If a treatment plan feels uncomfortable, it’s essential to seek clarification and explore alternatives. Advocating for ourselves can significantly enhance our chances of a favorable outcome.
Remember, if you ever feel uncertain—speak up!
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