PeterSmith.Org

Pigeon-holing

    Whilst I was in hospital, or soon after, I heard a piece on the radio about errors in prescription occurring at ADHB.

    That doesn't surprise me after my experience. At one stage a consultant insisted that my cholesterol was too high at 7—later that day a registrar apologised and said it was actually, 3.9. At one stage, I was told my treadmill test was inconclusive because I was still taking beta-blockers (I've never taken beta-blockers). And, on discharge, I was told to stop taking all of my prescribed heart medication, but that I should continue taking my Losec prescription. That was a surprise, as I wasn't taking taking and hadn't been prescribed either heart medication or Losec.

    I think the problem is one of pigeon-holing, as Mintzberg would say. Because I didn't fit neatly into a standard pigeon-hole (not a heart attack, not angina) they weren't quite sure what to do with me, or who'd be responsible. So, the default came into play—back to the GP. Actually, I have the impression that the whole of the "High Dependency Unit' exists mainly as a holding pen whilst patients are categorise (pigeon-holed) before being dispatched to the"correct' location, e.g., The cardio ward, Gastroenterology, etc.


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    Word count: 300 (about 1 minutes)

    Published:

    Updated: 8 May '04 14:49

    Author: Peter Smith

    Permalink: https://petersmith.org/blog/2004/05/08/pigeon-holing/

    Section: blog

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    Bundle type: leaf

    Source: blog/2004/05/08/pigeon-holing/index.org