The article and the video on the same case are profound examples of the vital necessity of maintaining patient safety and enabling effective care. Daley (2015) reports the story of Hemmelgarn, who lost her daughter, Alyssa, because of a medical mistake. Essentially, the girl felt appaling after skiing and was admitted to a hospital, where she was diagnosed with leukemia. Consequently, ten days later, the girl died because of the wrong medication and the inability of healthcare professionals to identify the real issue. Hemmelgarn emphasized that the doctor saw that the drug did not help; nonetheless, they ignored her condition. The problem was that the girl had a severe infection, namely C.diff; thus, the reason for Alyssa’s death was not leukemia but a healthcare system’s failure. The C.diff is hospital-acquired; therefore, the hygiene and the disinfection of the hospital areas, including patients’ rooms, are vital to prevent the spread.
Moreover, Hemmelgarn became a patient safety advocate who tried to communicate medical errors and their fatality. She argues that patients and their families should feel safe due to effective care delivery. Hemmelgarn adds that the girl would be alive if the healthcare professionals double-checked the medical records and Alyssa’s condition. The hospital where Alyssa was treated, apologized and introduced significant changes, such as new protocols and rules; nonetheless, their maltreatment caused the girl’s death. According to Daley (2015), many patients, for instance, 400.000 in 2013, died because of negligence, malpractice, and medical errors. It is important to add that nurses face possible barriers due to lack of knowledge and training. Thus, the healthcare system should enhance medical education, professional training, patients’ safety, and a code of ethics. In addition, organizations should make changes to improve the patients’ safety and include families in care delivery. Medical professionals should understand that the slightest mistake or negligence can have irreversible consequences on a person’s life.
Reference
Daley, J. (2015). For Colorado mom, story of daughter’s hospital death is key to others’ safety. CPR.