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Good Catch Champion: Carolyn Hashemi

September 15, 2022

Carolyn Hashemi

Physical Therapist

St. Vincent’s Medical Center

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What happened:

Working with a patient with encephalopathy who was unable to follow commands, Carolyn could tell something was off. While performing lower-extremity range-of-motion, she sensed the patient was experiencing pain with each movement of the hip flexion on the right side. Although the patient had difficulty communicating, Carolyn was attuned to the non-verbal communication. This specific pain was not part of the patient’s identified medical needs. When she questioned the son, he explained that the patient had fallen prior to being admitted. Carolyn arched up her concerns and an X-ray revealed a hip fracture – a significant addition to her medical status.

Safety behaviors demonstrated:

Due to Carolyn’s demonstration of discretionary effort, questioning attitude and accountability, this patient’s needs were correctly identified and appropriate care provided.