The importance of patient safety (Aortic Dissection Charitable Trust)

Summary

Chloe, 24, was at high risk for aortic dissection due to her genetic history. Despite presenting alarming symptoms at the A&E department, her condition was misdiagnosed. A subsequent call to the hospital resulted in no further action, and Chloe tragically died four days later. Investigations confirmed that the hospital’s lack of correct diagnosis was a missed opportunity that could have saved her life.

In this article, the Aortic Dissection Charitable Trust looks at the case of Chloe, within a framework of four key themes set out by Patient Safety Learning for World Patient Safety Day 2023:

• Elevating the voice of patients and families.
• Shared decision-making at the point of care.
• Engaging patients when things go wrong.
• Engaging patients for system improvement.