The HCM City Department of Health has released a statement addressing the death of a patient after treatment for dengue fever. The department responded to a complaint filed by the wife of a patient, detailing the circumstances surrounding the death.
Treatment Procedures and Cause of Death Analysis
Following the family’s complaint, the HCM City Department of Health convened a meeting with medical experts and representatives from both hospitals to thoroughly assess the patient’s treatment. The meeting involved the Deputy Director of the HCM City Department of Health, representatives from the relevant hospitals, and specialists from Children’s Hospital 1, Ho Chi Minh City Hospital for Tropical Diseases, and the city’s Center for Disease Control (HCDC).
After a review, discussion, and analysis, the experts and representatives of the Department of Health concluded that:
Adherence to Professional Procedures
Professionally, both the Lê Văn Việt Hospital and the People’s Hospital of Gia Định adhered to the technical and professional procedures during the patient’s care.
- Lê Văn Việt Hospital: Promptly assessed, treated, consulted, and transferred the patient to the People’s Hospital of Gia Định. Continued to coordinate treatment with the People’s Hospital of Gia Định after the transfer.
- People’s Hospital of Gia Định: Upon receiving the patient, immediately examined, assessed the condition, consulted with the Hospital for Tropical Diseases, and promptly reported the patient’s condition to the Department of Health. The hospital actively treated, closely monitored, conducted consultations, promptly evaluated the disease progression, and implemented ECMO as prescribed.
Areas for Improvement
Despite adherence to procedures, the Department of Health identified areas for improvement in both hospitals to ensure compliance with legal regulations and patient safety:
- Lê Văn Việt Hospital: Needs to review and strengthen its reception and treatment procedures, technical expertise, inter-departmental coordination, and update treatment protocols based on Ministry of Health guidelines. Strict adherence to professional procedures, consultations, patient care, and monitoring must be clearly documented in medical records. Training and communication guidelines regarding patient interaction and guidance are needed.
- People’s Hospital of Gia Định: Needs to urgently review and improve the electronic medical record system, ensuring that all printed medical documents are complete, consistent, and unified. Ensure patients and families receive thorough and clear explanations about the patient’s condition, treatment plan, and prognosis.
Summary of Patient’s Condition
Mr. N.K.Q., a doctor at Lê Văn Việt Hospital, was admitted to Lê Văn Việt Hospital with symptoms of fatigue, fever, and a diagnosis of dengue fever with warning signs. The condition rapidly worsened, leading to respiratory distress. Lê Văn Việt Hospital consulted with other hospitals and transferred Mr. Q. to the People’s Hospital of Gia Định. He remained there for five days and passed away. The cause of death was diagnosed as septic shock, pneumonia, cardiogenic shock stage C, multiple organ failure, and severe dengue fever. Despite 24 hours of ECMO intervention, treatment was unsuccessful.
The HCM City Department of Health expresses its condolences for the loss of Mr. Q. and reaffirms its commitment to improving the quality of healthcare at the hospitals.
(Source: Original article on Dân Trí)
