8 Comments
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Mary Saucier Choate's avatar

Right here, useful information like these audit templates, are why I love this blog/newsletter. Your work is so powerful by bringing clarity and analysis to the 30-mile high overviews , right through to helping to get what's needed for adequate healthcare in the clinic. More kudos to you, Ragen!

Ragen Chastain's avatar

You are, as always, too kind Mary! You've been supporting my work in so many different ways for such a long time, I truly appreciate you! Thank you!!!!

jen's avatar

Thank you for these!! Ever since your post about BP cuffs, I've been thinking about drafting a generic letter to send everywhere I'm seen because I had no idea these things existed.

I completely agree that we are doing them a favor by asking for these things! (And the irony: patients who advocate for themselves are so often ridiculed by providers because we spend too much time with "Dr. Google" and yet they don't even know how to take our blood pressure!)

Even though we can't control the outcome, is there any recourse if they say "no, we will not accommodate this request"? It seems like denying access needs violates the patient bill of rights (at least in the US), but what's the recourse? (Or maybe it's not worth it because we'll risk retaliation. I really don't know what the options are here.)

Janelle's avatar

When I complained about bruising after a BP check, I was told that's normal and nothing to be concerned about. Now I'm thinking I was gaslighted.

Thank you, Ragen, for these wonderful templates.

Amy Cannan-McCarthy's avatar

Excellent resource, thank you!

Is there any data that supports pushing back on a pre-op airway check? I keep getting told it is required due to my BMI (don't get me started, but they mean my fatness). Ive had numerous surgeries at my current and higher weight without issue, including two less than a year ago. Just wondering if this is an area to push back or not.

Ragen Chastain's avatar

Often whether or not someone is required to have a pre-op airway check is based on their ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologist) score. There can be some weight stigma baked in there so you can certainly ask why they feel that it's necessary.

Amy Cannan-McCarthy's avatar

Thanks! They said it is solely based on BMI. I don’t have any other risk factors (they asked a lot of questions). I guess I just need to accept it.