Case Stories for IQ

Case Stories are short-format patient cases without the rigor of medical case studies. Please follow this modified "SBAR" format below to submit.

Your case story should be between 250-750 words. No more than 5 references if needed in AMA format. Non-branded and de-identified information. You must include your name but do not mention your specific hospital. You can say "a rural hospital in the Midwest", "a teaching hospital in Canada". You may leave your contact email if it is not your hospital email.

For any questions or concerns please contact Mickey Hawes at javaeditor@avainfo.org.

Situation*

What are the basics? For example: 48 yo male with history of injectable drug use requires 6 weeks of intravenous antibiotics.

Background*

What do we know about the situation? Objective information. Just the facts. For example: The patient is diagnosed with osteomyelitis post right knee replacement. The order is to discharge the patient to an ambulatory infusion center for once-a-day infusions, inserting and removing the vascular access each day. Ultrasound of patient’s peripheral vasculature reveals inadequate size and flow for repeated insertions. However, the patient’s upper arms with sufficient venous health for access.

Assessment*

What is the problem? Subjective issues. For example: The patient has been sober for 2 years, has good family support, and mental health assistance. Punishing the patient with unrealistic and unethical repeated venipuncture will cause additional trauma and possible noncompliance.

Intervention*

What did you do with the situation you were given? How did you collaborate with other healthcare professionals and the patient/caregivers? For example: After discussions with the patient, family, behavioral health, ambulatory care, and the physician ordering the antibiotic, a plan was developed. A PICC was placed with tamper evident technology applied. A contract delineating rights and responsibilities was signed. The patient was set up to report to ambulatory care once a day for the remainder of his infusion therapy.

Outcomes*

What happened? For example: The patient successfully finished his antibiotics with one PICC. No evidence of tampering with the device and negative random urine drug screens.

Conclusions*

What now? For example: Based on the success of this case my hospital is moving forward with developing a program to help other patients with a history of injectable drug use.

References

Optional. No more than 5.

Please upload any images or other items you want included. Please note that you must use de-identified images or image-availability with written consent from the patient.

Your Name*

First NameLast Name

Your Email*

DO NOT use your facility email to avoid possible HIPPA issue and issues with spam filters added by facilities.

Your Phone Number

We would typically email you, however in the event we have a question about your submission and can't reach you via email, please list a phone number.