As a physician, I feel compelled to throw in my .02 cents regarding the Ebola blame issue in Dallas. Physicians typically use a good history to diagnose a patient and use a thorough physical exam/labs/radiology to confirm their suspicions. Thus if patients go out of their way to omit crucial details, then well be guessing educatedly in the wrong park. While I wasnt there to hear Mr. Duncans initial presentation, I have a suspicion that yes, I travelled from West Africa where I cared for an Ebola patient that was actively sick didnt get reported verbatim to the triage nurse, the room nurse, or the physician/nurse practitioner (all of whom would have actively met with him.) And lets remember: nurses and doctors make mistakes. Were human. Americans love their efficient and cost-effective ERs and hate having to wait. Undoubtedly, things will get overlooked if the goal is speed, customer satisfaction surveys, and low copays. But everyone has a responsibility in creating good care: patients, doctors, and nurses and it starts with a good patient narrative.
Posted on: Mon, 13 Oct 2014 14:32:06 +0000
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