Kristen exemplified our dedication and advocacy to our patients and families on Friday. A 13-month-old outpatient presented for a sedated MRI. Kristen thoroughly explained how the sedation would occur and answered the family's questions and concerns.
Unfortunately, there was a finding on the MRI scan and the Radiologist requested that the patient remain within CHOP until Neurology could come and talk to the patient's family. It is very difficult to inform a family they need to remain at CHOP for further information without causing the family distress. Kristen was able to relay this information to the mother in a thoughtful and caring manner. She contacted the Neurology Attending and was told that they were in inpatient care.
As the hours ticked by, Kristen again tried to reach the attending to no avail. She then tried to reach out to numerous parties within the department to try to have someone communicate the results to the family as soon as possible. After 4 hours, the mother had expressed her wish to leave. Kristen continued to reach out, to escalate, to advocate for this patient's family until the team came up to speak with the family. The family was very grateful to Kristen for not only her care but her advocacy for the patient.