Kim's Story
Kim has been my best friend since the third grade. “Lifers” as we like to say. I am a nurse and she is a quality analyst for a talent management company – 2 different worlds. When she or her family has a medical question, I am their “go to” person. Recently, she had a bout with an ear infection that resulted in hearing loss and extreme episodes of dizziness. Kim tends to be a private person and rarely calls for simple issues, so when she called to complain about her ear and dizzy spells, I knew it was a big deal. After asking her a few questions, I got the sense that her primary physician wasn’t managing her care properly. I suggested she ask to see an ear specialist and then gave her the name of a reputable one I knew personally.
She saw the specialist who shared my concerns (hearing loss and dizzy spells but the infection was resolved) and ordered a series of tests. This included inner ear testing to see if she had Meniere’s disease (an inner ear disorder that affects hearing and balance) or a type of tumor called an acoustic neuroma. She asked me if I would go with her because she didn’t know what to ask, what to expect, and she didn’t really understand what the doctor said during her previous visit. She said that all she heard was “something about inner ear” and “rotating me on a table.” I could tell she was uncomfortable and worried so I rearranged my schedule and went with her.
On our way, I explained the procedure for each test and what to expect. Her biggest concern was whether or not it would hurt. I told her that it wouldn’t but that she may feel pressure or fullness in her ears during the testing. I think that relieved her more than anything. She got through the testing without any problems and then we both met with the specialist. Her test results were basically normal and we discussed several other possible reasons for the hearing loss and dizziness. Throughout her visit with the specialist, I asked several questions, discussed possible causes, and together we all agreed on a plan for next steps.
On the way out while I was explaining the plan in greater detail, she said, “Thank you. If it weren’t for you being there, I would have no idea what he was talking about.” My friend and I are in our mid 40′s. We are educated and consider ourselves good communicators, but when you are put into a situation that is beyond your area of knowledge and experience, you feel like you’re back in grade school again. I had the experience and the expertise to sort through Kim’s clinical issues, intelligently discuss them with her physician and help her not only get the care she needed but help her to understand her care.
That’s what clinical advocacy is all about. Having somebody with you to help sort out information that may extend beyond your area of expertise. It’s clinical insight when you need it the most.
R.Thompson, MSN, RN
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