When an adverse event occurs, the patient’s
perspective is the not most important determinant. In most situations, when an
adverse event occurs, the patient is at harm. As a manager, the first thing I would
want to do is consult with the patient to make sure they are okay and listen to
what they have to say. When a patient has been harmed, usually they look for
someone to blame which is the staff. Emotions not only from the patient but family
members tend to influence the negatively attitude towards the organization. The
staff, managers and providers are then put under pressure because they do not
want to face malpractice or a lawsuit. However, when a patient becomes harmed,
it does not necessarily mean the providers and staff are at fault. In health
care, there will always be a chance of complications and allergic reactions
because every individual is made differently and not certain as to how the body
will react to the medical attention received.
From my personal experience working in the oncology department
where we perform chemotherapy, the risks are always presented to our patients before
they begin the treatment. There are numerous encounters I have had with
patients when they have had a reaction to infusion/treatment and have to be
sent to ER. Even if the protocols and procedures are followed accordingly,
there is always a chance an adverse event will occur and does not always mean
it is the fault of practice. At the time of the adverse event, the patient and
family members are most likely going to point fingers at the practice.
The patient’s perspective should not
be overlooked against other determinants but taken into consideration. If the
patient’s perspective was to be the most important determinant whether an
adverse event occurs, there would more cases of malpractice and law suit. When an adverse event occurs, it is important to evaluate all the factors at that given time. In all actuality, everyone's perspective should be taken into consideration.
