I Need a CABG!?!: One Patient’s Experience Camille Haddad MD Dawn Haddad RN BN MN

What if your patient is a Healthcare provider? Should that change anything?

History Had a MI age 38 - angioplasty - started aspirin and statins Family History – 2 uncles – sudden cardiac death - several cousins – angioplasty /CABG in their 40’s and 50’s - It is not “ if ” but “ when”

What happened after my MI? Medications Lifestyle Stress – work

How I ended up back in Saint John July 2009 – Chest heaviness while walking exercising (post flu) Continued for 2-3 days Positive Stress Test Wait listed for Elective Cardiac Catheterization

Waiting for Call Asked to be put on a cancellation list

Day of Catheterization Informed of what to expect and timelines Consecutive appointments that flowed from one area to the next Everything went like clock work

Nearing the end of the Cardiac Catheterization Interventionist : “ I’m almost done” My response: “You didn’t put a stent in” His response: Too difficult to stent” My response: “You’re talking surgery aren’t you!? “ YES, it is your BEST option

COLD SWEAT SURREAL FEELING

Waiting for Surgery Went home to wait for call from Heart Centre and the surgeon

Patient Teaching Pre-operative session - you are a patient not a physician Patient Education session - very helpful - don’t assume Health Care Professionals know everything

Important point to remember: Treat each patient the same regardless of who they are and how much you think they know When we skip steps that is when we open ourselves to possible errors

The morning of the surgery A 45 minute shaving session

Include the family Meanwhile we can’t forget the family as they are getting ready too How do we prepare them? Waiting Time Keeping them informed Remember you are their advocate

Visiting Hours Family want to be close Advocate for family – remind them they need their rest as they will be the caregivers at home Do they have questions? Let them know they can call and check Family need to feel confident their loved ones are being cared for when they leave

Care was amazing Teamwork/collaboration was evident Some nurses didn’t know I was a physician Don’t be afraid to stand your ground Embarrassing moments Dignity and Respect

When can I go Home? 100 yards and walk up 3 steps - Easier said than done

Going Home takes planning Don’t want to assume HCP know everything Telehealth Home Unit Getting out of bed, opening the fridge, milk containers, It did help to have a nurse at home

Has our experienced impacted our interactions with our patients?

Key Take Home Points Remember not to deviate from your process- treat everyone the same Never assume health care professionals know everything Try to anticipate questions where possible Have written materials available Teamwork and collaboration is key

Key Take Home Points Most importantly: Maintain a patient and family centered approach to health care delivery

Questions