A pulmonary embolism is a blockage in the blood vessels of a person’s lungs. Most pulmonary emboli are caused by Deep Vein Thrombosis which is when a blood clot develops deep inside the body, usually within the thigh or lower legs.
A pulmonary embolism often occurs suddenly and if not treated fast enough, can become life-threatening. It is vital that clinicians, especially within areas where patients may first seek help, can diagnose and treat pulmonary emboli quickly.
The Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch report
The Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch (HSIB) recently published a report identifying safety risks related to delayed or missed diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary embolism in emergency departments.
The report identified that incorrect decision-making by clinicians was a prominent issue in delayed or missed diagnoses. The report noted that at times tools and assessments available to help diagnosis were not being used and that pathways, which clinicians follow when a patient presents at an emergency department, did not encourage clinicians to consider pulmonary embolism when patients have unusual symptoms.
The report also highlighted delays in providing patients with anticoagulation medication, the main treatment for pulmonary embolism. Underdosing of anticoagulation medication was also seen as a factor affecting effective treatment.
The HSIB report recommended that:
1. The Health Education England works with appropriate bodies to develop a strategy to provide education and training to clinicians to develop their decision-making skills;
2. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence review and update if necessary their guidance on venous thromboembolic diseases (which includes pulmonary embolism); and
3. The Royal College of Emergency Medicine promotes best practice in respect of decision-making for patients with potential symptoms and signs of pulmonary embolism.
Although the report is a promising step toward improving the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary embolism, there is no assurance that any of the recommendations will be implemented. Enhanced education and training for clinicians are vital so that patients are correctly diagnosed and treated.
If you would like to read more about the HSIB report, you can find the full report and a helpful summary here.
Comment
We have helped a number of individuals who have suffered a pulmonary embolism as a result of medical negligence, whether it is due to delay in diagnosis and treatment or otherwise. A medical negligence claim can provide compensation that offers closure and financial security should an individual suffer lasting injuries from a delay in diagnosis or treatment of pulmonary embolism and require ongoing care and treatment.
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Rachel Benton is an Associate & Solicitor in our Medical Negligence team, which has been ranked in tier one by the independently researched publication, The Legal 500.
If you have any questions in relation to the subjects discussed in this article, then please get in touch with Rachel or another member of the team in Derby, Leicester, or Nottingham on 0800 024 1976 or via our online form.
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