Case Analysis

The level of professionalism shown by a nurse, or the lack thereof, can impact not only the patients and family members with whom they come into contact but also their coworkers. Accountability, respect, and trust are just three of the many components that play a role in maintaining a professional demeanor in a work setting. There are many more variables as well. In this case, a married mother of three, Mrs. Judith McNaught, was 69 years old when she died. Following her laparoscopic cholecystectomy at Rockhampton Base Hospital on June 1, 2010, she suffered post-operative complications, including extensive peritonitis, requiring hospitalization. On June 3rd and 5th, 2010, she was brought back to the operating room, where she passed away the following day, on June 6. Septic shock, brought on by biliary peritonitis after her laparoscopic cholecystectomy on June 1, was the most direct cause of her death. According to the evidence provided in court, adjustments should be implemented to prevent a recurrence of this tragedy. The end was classed as an “unexpected outcome of health care” under Section 8 of the Coroners Act 2003, which provided new insight into the circumstances of the death and provided closure. Under Section 11(2) of the Coroner’s Act, an investigation into the cause of death may be carried out in certain circumstances. It also must look into the facts to lessen the likelihood of such deaths and accidents occurring. Therefore, this paper analyses Mrs. Judith McNaught’s case, presenting the case and reflecting on the ethical framework of the case.

The National Safety and Quality Health Care Service (NSQHS) (2022) Standards were designed to assure the safety and quality of healthcare services. Experts, government agencies, healthcare providers, and patients developed the National Safety and Quality Health and Safety Standards (NSQHS Standards) (Hassan & Mohammed, 2021). The NSQHS Standards’ goal is to protect the public by ensuring that health care institutions are providing high-quality services. System testing is carried out following NSQHS standards to guarantee that the bare minimum of safety criteria is satisfied. They are advantageous because they assist healthcare companies in improving the quality of their services.  Impact Of Professionalism And Communication In Healthcare Essay Paper

Based on the coronial inquest, immediately following her laparoscopic cholecystectomy, Mrs. McNaught developed septic shock, which was initially assumed to be caused by biliary peritonitis (LC). Gallstones are a frequent condition that can be treated with this procedure. However, the likelihood of bile leakage following laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is significantly higher than that following open cholecystectomy (OC) (Afdhal et al., 2014). Post-cholecystectomy complications such as sepsis, biliary leakage, and biliary peritonitis are prevalent (Machado, 2011). After surgically removing the T-tube from the common bile duct, it is possible to develop bilateral biliary peritonitis. It has become increasingly common because of the extensive use of plastic T-tubes. T-tubes made of latex rubber can help reduce the risk of bile peritonitis in some circumstances, although it is still possible to develop the problem (Haouimi, 2022).

Besides, communication skills are vital to establish the source and quickly offer solutions to the matter. It is all about working together as a team in collaboration. As nurses, it is hard for us to provide the level of care our patients need without the help of other professionals. Patients, physicians, social workers, chaplains, laboratory technicians, dieticians, psychologists, and physical therapists all provide a comprehensive or holistic level of care to patients. All of these members of the interdisciplinary team must give their quota. To achieve the therapeutic outcomes we aspire for, we must work closely with these multidisciplinary team members. The National Standards must address this issue for Quality in Health and Human Services, which should look for a better treatment alternative.

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Importance Of Professionalism In Healthcare

The involved parties are nurses, families, and close friends. Registered nurses (RNs) can significantly impact the overall quality of healthcare. They have the potential to have a substantial effect on the efforts of healthcare organizations to promote and administer their care systems, among other things. As a result of spending most of their time talking to and interacting with patients, registered nurses are well-versed in their diseases. They are also responsible for ensuring that patients’ medical rights are protected. The nurses link the client and the medical personnel, allowing them to communicate more effectively. They are the first to deal with health-related difficulties and questions because of their fast access.

In addition, nurses must ensure that patients receive the correct medication dosage at the appropriate time of the day or night. They must collaborate closely with occupational health physicians to give the best possible care to their patients (World Health Organization, 2022). Improved communication skills among registered nurses are essential if they are to interact successfully with their coworkers and physicians and with patients and others who care for them (Advent Health University, 2021). Augmentative and alternative communication approaches will likely be able to bridge the communication gap between the patient and the caregiver. Poor or non-existent communication is a significant source of frustration for both parties. Registered nurses must be well-versed in communication skills to perform their duties effectively.

Since RN Fosterr’s chart was not available, she advised EN Dunlop and RN Dulnuan about the care technique in a conversational manner. Mrs. McNaught’s nursing staff in the Rehabilitation Unit (RU) was bewildered about the level of care. The ultimate goal of the intervention was to ensure that the person was provided with the opportunity necessary for full and effective involvement and inclusion in society. These possibilities included studying, working, and accessing all services on the same basis as other citizens. If the observations were to be taken once a day or four times a day, it was unclear which method should be used. As a result, there was oblivion to a few crucial facts. Upon completion of the following inspection on June 3, 2010, the findings were disturbing and necessitated the urgent implementation of immediate supervision. In this instance, nursing communication between wards or units could have prevented a significant amount of harm to the patient’s health. Instead of giving a verbal explanation to the health worker or nurse on another shift or in another ward, it would have been preferable to have a written observation order.

The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia establishes a Code of ethics, Code of conduct, and standards for practice for nursing and midwifery practice (NMBA). All registered nurses (RNs) should conform to the Registered Nurse Standards for Practice to the letter and spirit of the law (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, 2022). Nurses and midwives in Australia must be registered with the National Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) to practice lawfully. Nursing ethics, standards of practice, and professional conduct are the guidelines that explain how nurses should conduct themselves in their professional lives. Even though nurses are aware of the beneficial parts of the regulations, they do not always adhere to them throughout their initial training and certification.

NSQHS Standards For Ensuring Quality Healthcare Services

The principles may not be implemented due to various factors, including individual nurses, organizational obstructions, cultural hurdles, and a lack of sufficient knowledge (Blackwood & Chiarella, 2020). Any of the concerns listed above can impede the implementation of codes and standards. Following these guidelines is essential for maintaining a well-structured and adequately supervised workplace environment. The National Medical Board of Examiners (NMBA) must perform frequent testing to guarantee that these codes are used effectively in healthcare facilities. In the context of nursing, as well, the NMBA requirements were not followed. These NMBA standards must be adhered to in all aspects of patient care settings. Quality healthcare can only be guaranteed by accepting these norms and standards.

Conclusion

Based on the above findings, it is essential to ensure that all NSQHS and NMBA standards are followed to the letter to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. Patients may have unexpected effects due to insufficient and ineffective healthcare, which is unpleasant. As a result, they must be upheld at all costs. The paper’s findings demonstrate that Good communication is essential for a patient’s recovery to be successful. All healthcare partners must work together to promote a culture of collaboration. The success of the patient’s recovery is dependent on this cooperation. They are in a better mental and physical state if their healthcare providers give them the impression that they are in command of their situation. Their rehabilitation is expected to produce outstanding results.

The findings imply that being a nurse requires a lot more than just showing up to work every day and being paid at the end of the month; it involves self-sacrifice. The provision of charitable services and a higher standard of patient care are both required. Patients’ lives are entrusted to nurses, in my opinion. Assuming ultimate responsibility and accountability as a trustee of another person’s life is an unavoidable requirement. Nursing is centered on the concept of caring for others. Therefore, goodwill, maleficence, empathy, and collaboration are all effective ways to provide the best possible care to patients. Even if nursing requires the application of several principles or theories, these characteristics are of the utmost importance to me.

References

Advent Health University. (2021, February 1). Interpersonal communication skills in nursing. Advent Health University. Retrieved May 22, 2022, from https://online.ahu.edu/blog/interpersonal-communication-skills-in-nursing/

Afdhal, N. H., V, C. M., Ashley, S. W., & Marks, J. (2014). Complications of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. In Complications of laparoscopic cholecystectomy: Addington experience. Essay, University of KwaZulu-Natal.

Blackwood, S., & Chiarella, M. (2020). Barriers to uptake and use of codes of ethics by Nurses. Collegian, 27(4), 443–449. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colegn.2019.11.005

Haouimi, A. (2022). Biliary peritonitis due to laparoscopic bile duct injury. Radiopaedia.org. https://doi.org/10.53347/rid-99656

Hassan, A. M., & Mohammed, A. Q. (2021). Biliary leak after laparoscopic cholecystectomy; incidence and management. The Egyptian Journal of Hospital Medicine, 40(2), 685–694. https://doi.org/10.4103/ejs.ejs_62_21

Machado, N. O. (2011). Biliary complications post laparoscopic cholecystectomy: Mechanism, preventive measures, and approach to management: A Review. Diagnostic and Therapeutic Endoscopy, 2011, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1155/2011/967017

The NSQHS standards. (2022). The NSQHS standards. Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. Retrieved May 22, 2022, from https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/standards/nsqhs-standards

Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. (2022). Professional standards: Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. Retrieved May 22, 2022, from https://www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au/codes-guidelines-statements/professional-standards. Impact Of Professionalism And Communication In Healthcare Essay Paper