We must advocate for our most vulnerable patients

On a Sunday afternoon, I arrived at the hospital for my psychiatry ER shift. As medical students, we keep an eye on the track board for new patients to see. Two names turned bright red, and I chose to follow Jackie Swanson. Her initial ER evaluation read “Patient is a 30-year-old female here for SI, HI, and AVH in context of recent sexual assault and cocaine use.” She was brought emergently by ambulance after being found unconscious at a gas station several miles away. When I walked through the bay area, I saw a patient in every bed. I soon found Jackie at the end of the row. Her hands, arms, neck, and eyes were covered with myriad odd but cool tattoos. She was visibly emaciated and was tearful as she said hi to me. Before we started the interview, she slowly motioned with her hand for me to pull both curtains around us. “Listen to me. If I get discharged, I will do drugs and shoot myself in the head.” Continue reading ... Your patients are rating you online: How to respond. Manage your online reputation: A social media guide. Find out how.
Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog - Category: General Medicine Authors: Tags: Conditions Emergency Medicine Source Type: blogs