If you encounter a patient issue that you cannot resolve, what should your next step be?

When faced with a patient issue that you cannot resolve, the most appropriate next step is to find someone in the organization who can assist. This option emphasizes the importance of seeking support and resources available within the healthcare team or organization, ensuring the patient receives the necessary care.

This approach fosters a collaborative environment where healthcare professionals work together to solve complex issues, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes. It signifies taking responsibility for the patient's needs by recognizing your limitations and leveraging the expertise of others who may have more knowledge or authority regarding the situation.

Consulting a peer could also be a valuable action; however, if the peer is not able to provide a solution or lacks the necessary authority, it may lead to further delays in addressing the patient's concern. Therefore, while collaboration with colleagues is important, directly seeking someone who possesses specialized skills or higher authority might be more effective in ensuring a timely resolution.

Ignoring the problem is never a viable option in a healthcare setting, as this can compromise patient safety and lead to worse outcomes. Referring the patient to a different department could be appropriate in certain circumstances, but it may not always solve the issue at hand and could add unnecessary steps or delays in the patient’s care process without first seeking assistance from those within the current department.