British medical journal (Clinical research ed.)
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Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) · Feb 1985
Reducing errors in the accident department: a simple method using radiographers.
The assessments by radiographers of 1628 consecutive patients referred for radiography in the casualty department were analysed. The radiographers missed abnormalities in the radiographs in 68 of the cases. ⋯ Twenty eight of the radiographs interpreted wrongly by casualty officers were interpreted correctly by radiographers; 16 of these 28 were thought by the accident and emergency consultant to be clinically important. It is suggested that a system whereby radiographers signal abnormalities should be standard practice.
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Of 14 families who suffered a sudden infant death, eight were followed up intensively over several months and offered individual counselling, parents' group meetings, and interviews with doctors as a way of helping them come to terms with their feelings of loss. Five couples accepted short term support from their health visitor, and one refused help. ⋯ It was concluded that medical social workers, health visitors, hospital paediatricians, general practitioners, and parent self help groups are in key positions to help. The success of such help is likely to depend on the confidence that each helper has that his or her contribution will be valued by the bereaved family.