Justin's HOPE healthcare tumblelog

Changing course

A few well-publicized cases of medical errors have led the hospitals involved to transform how they approach patient safety.

By Jean DerGurahian

Posted: November 2, 2009 - 5:59 am EDT (click on title for story-sub req)

This is the second part of a two-part series on the effects of patient-safety advocates. Part one of the series, which ran Sept. 7 (p. 6), described how three women went from parent to patient-safety advocate as a result of medical errors.

My friends have received some results after much hard work:

“…In the past five years, St. Luke’s has formalized a disclosure policy that calls for attending physicians to talk with families after care that resulted in unanticipated outcomes. It’s not an admission of guilt, and it’s not just about medical errors, but deals with any results that were unexpected, Hill said. That brings the human element back into patient care. “To do nothing about it is unconscionable….”

Sadly, our story has had little impact or connection with the involved hospital in Justin’s care so I have decided to change course, as the article states, after almost 9 years and focus on working with those that have an interest in change. Our waiting for CEOs, PR folks or physicians to return phone calls needs to stop so I can continue to be instrumental in my goal of saving more lives from harm. I’m done waiting.

Please join me. Changing a culture is difficult but your children and family are worth your effort.  Dr. Peter Pronovost quotes Margaret Mead in his emails to me: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

Any other hospital in NY, or elsewhere, is more than welcome to contact me for guidance. I’ve consumed myself in this topic of safety and disclosure following adverse medical events and would love to help you move foward!