I am a physiotherapist caring for a middle-aged patient who presented with a week-long history of severe, constant, non-mechanical lower back pain.
They presented to Midland Hospital and were imaged by CT-Scan. This was inconclusive but further MRI imaging was not performed as the patient was allegedly told that the service didn't have an MRI machine in the hospital.
The patient received no answers regarding their pain, including no review from physiotherapy, despite requesting this. They were discharged with pain medication but no clear follow-up plan.
The patient attended my clinic for treatment, however, it was evident on assessment that their pain was from a non-mechanical source. They then presented to Royal Perth Hospital (RPH). MRI imaging was not performed there either, apparently because their radiologists do not work on weekends, and they were discharged again without a clear plan or diagnosis despite insufficient control of their pain levels.
I understand that bed spaces are critical in hospital, however, I am concerned that this patient was not provided with adequate communication about their problem or a management plan. I am also concerned that the reviewing doctors in all cases were not able to distinguish between mechanical and non-mechanical lower back pain, attributing the patient's symptoms to nerve root related pain, despite the constancy of their pain and good movement ability in all directions.
I would like for further training and review of the management procedures of severe lower back pain to be conducted in both hospitals. Discharging a patient in a confused, high-pain state with no support other than pain medication is, in my opinion, negligent and could easily lead to missing significant diagnoses.
"Inadequate care"
About: Royal Perth Hospital / Physiotherapy Service Royal Perth Hospital Physiotherapy Service Perth 6000 St John of God Midland Hospital St John of God Midland Hospital Midland 6056
Posted by Physio23 (as ),
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