A Life-saving Rule for Parents of Sick Children
This rule can save the life of a sick child’s parents.
It can be difficult for parents to navigate the healthcare system, especially if their child is severely ill. It can be stressful for parents to feel that their concerns are not being addressed adequately by healthcare providers. The tragic case of a Queensland mother and child has brought to light the difficulties parents face. This led to reforms which empower parents to effectively advocate for their children. This story led to the creation of what is now called a vital escalation protocol, which allows families a second opinion if they feel that their child’s treatment is inadequate.
The Tragic Loss that Sparked Change
In 2007, a Queensland boy tragically died in a Queensland hospital, just a few days before his third Birthday. The misdiagnosis of his condition and failure to treat him properly led to toxic shock. A wrong diagnosis was given to the child and he was told to take over-the-counter medication. However, his condition rapidly worsened.
This tragic event sparked outrage in the community, and led to a review of Queensland’s health care procedures. Authorities acknowledged that systemic failures contributed to the tragedy and implemented reforms to avoid similar situations in future. A formalized protocol was introduced to provide families with an effective and clear way to escalate their care and get a second opinion if needed.
A Family’s Story: Advocating the right treatment
The experience of Lili Curtis in Queensland illustrates the importance and effectiveness of this protocol. Eight hospital visits in 17 days were a draining experience for her family. They did not receive a satisfactory diagnosis nor a treatment plan. Lili became increasingly frustrated and helpless as Arabella’s health worsened.
Lili only decided to take action after a friend told her about the rule of escalation. Everything changed the moment Lili invoked the protocol. Arabella was seen immediately by the hospital’s chief pediatrician and, thanks to her intervention, received the treatment that she needed to recover. Lili said that she felt empowered by the experience, and the protocol allowed her to speak up when she previously had not been heard.
This case serves as a powerful reminder that structured escalation mechanisms are vital for families who must navigate the complexity of healthcare.
The Rule that Protects all Patients
This rule has an impact on cases that are not just pediatric. Amelia Herring, from Rockhampton in Queensland, experienced life-threatening complications with her second pregnancy. Amelia Herring, who was unable to walk when she arrived at the hospital, was diagnosed with preeclampsia. This serious condition can have severe complications for mother and child.
Amelia was hospitalized for 4 days but felt that her illness wasn’t treated with urgency. She invoked the rule of escalation out of concern for her health. She was immediately transferred to intensive treatment where she received immediate treatment. Amelia revealed that she was in intensive care for two days on magnesium infusions in order to prevent seizures. She lost 15 kg of fluid in two days. Amelia’s condition affected all of her internal organs and the rule was likely to have saved her life.
These stories highlight that, while this protocol may be associated with pediatric healthcare, it is an important tool to ensure patient safety in all healthcare settings. This empowers patients to advocate for appropriate and timely medical care and take charge of their own health.
The Impact: Quantitative Perspective
In the last year, Queensland families have invoked this rule 654 times due to concerns over inadequate care. Every invocation led to an urgent review of the case by a medical staff. In about 75% of the cases, there were no changes to the treatment plan. However, in 163 cases, intervention was required.
This rule is of great importance. This rule is a safety net that provides families with a way to demand a reassessment if they feel their loved ones’ condition isn’t being given the attention it needs. Every time this rule is invoked it can save a patient’s life and strengthen their advocacy in a healthcare system that can be intimidating.
The Escalation Rule: A Step by Step Guide
The escalation rules are designed to be simple and easy to understand. Here are some tips on how to use it.
- Communicate With Healthcare Providers — The first step to take is to express your concerns to the nurse or doctor of your child. Effective communication requires that you express your concerns and ask specific questions.
- Report to the Nurse In Charge If the initial concerns have not been adequately addressed, the parents can ask to speak to the nurse in charge. It ensures a senior doctor is aware of the problem.
- Call the Hospital Hotline If parents feel that their concerns are still not taken seriously, then they can contact the designated escalation line, giving details such as the name of the child, the hospital, the ward number and the bed number.
- Initiate Medical Review– After the escalation is invoked, a review team will assess the situation and determine if any changes need to be made in the treatment plan.
- Follow up on Care After the review, it is encouraged that families stay in touch with the healthcare providers so that any necessary adjustments can be made and the child receives the appropriate care.
Expansion of similar protocols across Australia
Other Australian states have adopted similar initiatives following the success of this protocol.
- New South Wales has introduced the REACH (Recognise Engage Act Call for Help) program, which allows parents to escalate concerns regarding their child’s care.
- Canberra’s CARE program (Call Early and Respond) encourages parents and caregivers to play an active role in the health of their children and offers a structured way for addressing any concerns.
As these protocols become more widely known, we hope that similar systems are adopted across the country, so that all families can have access to mechanisms which support their advocacy efforts.
Empowering parents to advocate for their children
If parents feel that their child’s safety is in danger, they should not hesitate to speak out. Contacting a Patient Liaison officer can help you understand the hospital’s escalation procedure and how to express your concerns.
Some other life-saving tips for parents
Parents can do more to protect their children by understanding the escalation procedure:
- Take your child with you. Never leave a youngster unattended, even if it is only for a few minutes.
- Car Seat Security Ensure that your child is securely secured in a booster or car seat appropriate for their age.
- Learn infant and child CPR– Knowing basic techniques of CPR can save lives in an emergency.
- Create an Emergency Plan– Always keep a first-aid kit well stocked and a contact list handy.
Conclusion
This life-saving law in Queensland has had a significant impact on families. No one will feel powerless to advocate for their child’s health.
Parents need to be informed, prepared and proactive. This includes learning CPR or understanding how to escalate care concerns. Each piece of information can save a child’s life.
This protocol is a beacon for families who are navigating the healthcare systems, and it ensures that no parent will have to face these challenges on their own. Parents can protect their children’s health and well-being by understanding their rights and using available resources.
https://babyology.com.au/health/family-health/potentially-life-saving-rule-parents-sick-kids-know/
