The Family

This patient that was involved was an elderly patient who sustained multiple pelvic fractures during a fall, the fracture was quite severe and this patient was experiencing excruciating pain even after 4/52 post fracture. This patient was admitted to the hospital for rehab and her pain levels were still really high she is unable to do a lot of tasks. It is almost a pain-avoidance behaviour. She came from a low care facility and the plan currently is for her to go to high care. Her family is very supportive and comes to visit her everyday. The incident that happened was that some staff was telling this patient the pain was in her head and the family felt it was inappropriate and they had no right to say that (which I agree with) and the family wrote a complaint letter to the hospital. A family meeting was held a few days ago regarding this issue. The patient, family members, Social Worker, OT, Physio, and the Doctor was present at this meeting. The family requested to stop physio because of the pain levels but primary concern was the pain levels – it is still very unbearable after 4/52 but the doctor explained this # is very serious and it will take up to 3/12 for the pain to go away. The family also asked if there’s anything doctors can do to further investigate the pain – doctor ended up requesting a CT scan to check the alignment of the bones. With reassurance and effort every staff put in , the family members were satisfied with the outcome of this meeting – the result was to request a CT scan for a piece of mind, continue physio, up the pain medication and for the family to record any names of staff who tell the patient “the pain is in the head” or any similar scenarios and it will be dealt with. From this case, I have learnt that one person’s injury can affect everyone in the family. The family is concerned we must keep the patient as well as the family up to date with progress and also I have learnt that we must respect the patient in every way (and also the family members)– we can’t tell the patient the pain is in your head ! I was not the physio treating this patient at the time but if I was the physio treating, I will ensure there’s adequate pain relief and allow plenty of time for the patient (as pain slows her function – takes her a long time to get up an walking), also I will communicate with the family members in this case to see what time is best for them as this is quite a close knit family it would be good if the family members can give some encouragement.