Sometimes Those Hoofbeats Are Zebras

An 11-year-old girl was hospitalized because of sudden odd seizure-like symptoms and catatonic affect, highlighting several communication issues. Therefore, the correct diagnosis was initially missed and also led to missed opportunities to provide appropriate care for this young patient.

• How might transfers between medical facilities be reimagined to improve patient care, rather than being seen as “dumping” of undesirable problematic patients and families?
• What interventions or changes in protocol might empower nurses and family members to productively question a physician’s diagnosis and treatment plan for a patient?

Apply Theory (Specific Professional Healthcare Competencies + Clinical Medical Ethical Principles) to Practice in order to provide Optimal Patient-Centered Care (OPCC)