I came across a hilarious parody of non-academic hospitals (lovingly referred to as Outside Hospitals for those in the biz) a few months ago during a long Gen Med call. Unless you are in the medical field, you likely won't get the humor, but nonetheless its a must see.
"If you have lungs, we can consult a pulmonologist.... We can consult any specialist to see you for any organ you have..." Love it!
Yes, the video is supposed to be a funny over-exaggeration, but its so very true. This is not about pride on the part of those at academic institutions, that we are in some manner better, but a pervasive opinion (read: fact) based on many many bad experiences. Countless times this year, I have received transfers from community hospitals that arrive with little more than a stack of papers that bear no resemblance to a coherent assessment and plan. Its like an episode of CSI, piecing together what might have transpired during the last 5 inpatient days. The patient says they had test x, y, and z.... any results in the collection of papers sent with the patient? Nope.
Invariably though, when the going gets tough and the community hospital has no idea what they've gotten themselves into, you see "Transfer to the University of _______" scribbled under the 'Plan' portion of daily note.
This was hilarious! But, I have to admit that the only reason I found this funny was because Mark has familiarized me in our conversations with certain medical terminology and hospital procedures, of which I now have a slightly less limited understanding than before. My favorite part was when he would name a symptom and then say, "we can cath you." :)
ReplyDeleteThis clip is hilarious but also very scary. I just had first hand experience with an OSH when a family member of mine was admitted. She was febrile but they didn't even draw blood cultures. Scary.
ReplyDeleteJust wait, 'chak. One day, if you're lucky, you'll get to be the one to scribble down "Plan: Txfr to University Hospital."
ReplyDeleteundoubtedly Drew, however, I would have the respect for my colleagues to actually dictate a discharge summary, rather than just faxing the 5-day old H&P.
ReplyDelete