Practicing Medical Skills in a Small Clinic

Perhaps, it is only after losing something that one learns to cherish it.

"Hello, Dr. Li, these two are leaders from the health administrative department, and this is Xia Yanbing, the expert invited by the family for the medical malpractice appraisal."

Deputy Director Shang was very courteous to Li Jingsheng.

He was well aware of how popular this young doctor was now.

From hospital-level leaders down to department directors, all held him in high esteem.

The expert in charge of technical appraisal sat on the patient’s side, right in the first position.

This subtly indicated an attitude; the expert was recognized by the family and sympathized with the deceased’s plight, and would assist the family in uncovering any oversights made by the hospital during the patient’s treatment.

"Hello leaders! Hello, Teacher Xia!"

Li Jingsheng used the term ’Teacher’ to address the expert, a form of respectful acknowledgment.

To become an expert in technical appraisal, even if privately hired by the family, undoubtedly requires strong professional competence.

Unless one is a fake expert, that would be a different story.

"You don’t need to be nervous; this matter is not directly related to you. We invited you here just to have you stand on a fair perspective and describe the events of that day accurately and truthfully."

The leader from the health administrative department directly told him.

"Dr. Li can sit down to give your account!"

The young female leader kindly nodded to him, signaling assent.

The official background of the Second Hospital is quite strong. The supervising entity might not say they’re biased toward the hospital, yet their subjective position will lean toward it.

Unless there really is an issue with the hospital, they would not help the family with the claim or punishment.

Furthermore, the technical appraisal expert hired by the family has certain authority but is not particularly high.

Medical malpractice appraisals follow the principle of impartiality, and stakeholders should all avoid involvement.

However, if the matter goes to court, the evidence provided by this technical appraisal expert may be adopted or trusted by the judge.

In short, there are many hidden rules within, and all parties will strive to protect their interests.

"At the time, I was in the outpatient clinic when I received a call from Director Kuo of the Endocrinology Department, asking me to come over and take a look, explaining that a patient scheduled for the next day was in serious condition. When I went over, I found the patient had hypokalemia. The Endocrinology Department had already administered potassium supplementation therapy to the patient, but the effects were not significant. I then suggested to Director Kuo to add two more channels and try increasing the potassium supplement dosage.

In the afternoon, I received another call from Director Kuo, stating that the increased potassium dosage still had no significant effect.

He suggested that the family immediately transfer the patient to a larger hospital for treatment, but the family refused.

When I went for consultation, I also suggested to the family that they consider a hospital transfer for treatment, which was likewise rejected.

Later, around half past six in the evening, after my shift, I went again to the inpatient ward of the Endocrinology Department. I found the patient had not been transferred; the hospital had increased the potassium dosage and equipped the patient with a respiratory mask.

By then, the patient’s breathing was rapid, and the situation had become quite serious.

I was concerned about the potential danger to the patient and recommended preparations for tracheal intubation. However, the family did not agree at that time and proposed a transfer. After obtaining Director Kuo’s consent, I proactively contacted an anesthetist to request that they prepare for potential tracheal intubation in case the patient’s condition worsened further.

The anesthetist agreed to help, temporarily working overtime to stand ready for emergency rescue.

At that time, the family proposed transferring the patient, but Director Kuo refused.

Because the patient’s condition was serious, there was a high risk during transit.

Later, the patient’s sister, parents, and other family members arrived and forcibly transferred the patient.

This is all I know about the incident; multiple doctors, nurses, and the patient’s wife can confirm this."

Li Jingsheng recounted all that he knew.

"Did you have any evidence for contacting the anesthetist regarding the preparation of tracheal intubation for the patient?"

Expert Xia Yanbing questioned Li Jingsheng.

"Yes! Because I had already finished my shift, I called Old Yu, an anesthetist I know. The family, Director Kuo, and others were present. There was another patient and a family member accompanying in the ward, and the nurse providing care to the deceased can also testify. My phone still has the call records. At the time, because Old Yu was off duty, he asked me to contact his apprentice to make preparations.

She can certainly provide evidence from her side as well."

Li Jingsheng replied confidently.

"Please send me a screenshot of the call records to my phone. I will immediately contact the two involved anesthetists to confirm."

Shang Zhi felt a surge of joy.

Once it is confirmed that the anesthetists did indeed prepare for tracheal intubation for the deceased patient, but the family ignored the advice and forcibly transferred, all responsibility falls on the family.

The hospital bears no responsibility whatsoever.

Contact was made with Old Yu and his apprentice in the anesthesiology department, and they promptly provided a series of evidence.

Including records of material requisition.

That expert, Xia Yanbing, after reviewing them, sighed and shook his head.

He helplessly looked toward the family, "Based on the known evidence so far, the hospital does not appear to have been negligent; I cannot do anything about it. If you still wish to file a lawsuit, you might as well seek another expert. But to be honest, pursuing them further is just a waste of money."

After speaking, Xia Yanbing rose and left.

As a technical appraisal expert, it would be unthinkable to intentionally find fault where there is none, right?

The hospital strictly adhered to medical procedures in this instance and went beyond the call of duty in the patient’s rescue.