How to avoid a medical error?
To start, always think about all the possibilities, all the scenarios…. And when that's not enough, a big shot of luck.
Today, little session vaccination against seasonal flu (we will not talk about the promised H1N1!).
-Hello sir how are you?
-Well doctor, in great shape.
-so we get vaccinated against the flu today, that's right.
-Yes doctor, here's my vaccine.
-no particular problem or event in recent days? No fevers, chills or a little cold?
-No, no doctor, everything is fine, nothing special.
-Well, pass here, remove your shirt.
I open the vaccine box, prepare my equipment, take out the syringe and prepare to sting when…
-By the way doctor, can you tell me if I have other vaccines to do?
-He Yes, let's see!
Examination of the International immunization booklet……..
-uh, it's a mistake or you made the yellow fever vaccine just three days ago?????
-Yes, I am going to Africa at the end of December so I anticipate!
Legs a little soft, the gaze fixed on the instrument of the tort (the syringe of vaccine) then on the accomplice (the patient), I declare with my legendary calm:
Well! So I'm not going to vaccinate you today because there is a mismatch between the flu vaccine and the yellow fever. We'll have to come by again in two weeks.
-Well, we were lucky that I asked you to check my vaccines!!!
Yes that is it. of luck….