“If someone looks unwell, they are unwell.”
– Tom Andrews & Heather Waterman *

Recognizing patient deterioration is not always easy. But families and friends at the bedside have knowledge of the patient that most healthcare providers do not. Because you know the patient, you may be the first to see that something is not right.

Making your case to the healthcare team in a hospital can be difficult. Hospital staff are busy people and may be accustomed to seeing very sick patients. They may dismiss signs that could indicate a significant decline for your friend or family member.

Here are some suggestions for organizing your thoughts, finding the right people to speak to, and talking to healthcare providers in a way they can readily use to assess your family member’s problem.

* Andrews T, Waterman H. Visualising Deteriorating Conditions. Grounded Theory Review 4(2) Mar 2005.