Case Study: Oversight in Electronic Health Record Causes a Delay in Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis

Electronic health records (EHRs) have transformed the ways in which healthcare providers work and communicate. These systems have been both extolled and criticized over the years as their use in hospitals, healthcare practices, and other healthcare facilities has become ubiquitous.

CASE STUDY: Electrolysis Treatment Removes Unwanted Hair but Causes Another Unsightly Outcome

The patient, a female in her mid-thirties, presented to a dermatology practice for consultation regarding hair removal on both sides of her chin. The patient met with an esthetician employed by the practice, who requested that the patient fill out a skin care questionnaire. The patient complied, and described her skin's complexion as olive and noted that she rarely burns.

CASE STUDY: Failure to Identify Sepsis and Initiate Treatment Leads to Patient Death

The patient in this case was a 49-year-old female who had a significant medical history, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), coronary artery disease, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. Her surgical history included placement of two coronary stents and vascular surgery on her left leg.

CASE STUDY: Patient Aspirates Foreign Material During Dental Restoration Procedure

The patient presented to Dr. J, a general dentist, for four uncomplicated restorations. After Dr. J obtained and reviewed the patient's history and physical information and received appropriate informed consent to treat, she started the procedure. Shortly after entering the patient's oral cavity, the burr dislodged from the handpiece, struck the back of the patient's mouth, and the patient aspirated it.

The patient was having some respiratory distress, so the office contacted emergency medical services (EMS). At the local hospital, an X-ray indicated the burr was in the base of the patient's lung. An otolaryngologist was unsuccessful in reaching the burr endoscopically; ultimately, a thoracic surgeon removed it.

CASE STUDY: Failure to Follow Protocols, Poor Documentation, and Inadequate Postmortem Investigation Worsens Liability

This case study discusses how multiple missteps can play a role in an adverse outcome and increase the risk of liability. As such, the case study focuses on a healthcare providers' involvement with a patient from a two-phase perspective: clinical care provided to the patient during the patient's hospitalization and compliance with hospital protocols prior to and following the patient's death.