Download PDF: RAC Communiqué August 2021
In this edition
Welcome to the latest edition of the RAC Communiqué which examines two cases where early attention and prompt responses to family concerns may have altered the fatal outcomes. Failures to listen to families often leads to situations where the clinical team does not escalate care as needed. Families and friends are often better at recognising subtle deterioration in a loved one than health professionals. Our responsibility is to listen and take their concerns seriously as it could save a life.
An interesting aspect of the first case stems from the investigation findings following a formal complaint to the Aged Care Complaints Commission by the next of kin. The matter was also raised with the coroner who determined that an inquest was not required.
Our expert commentary is by Dr Anne-Marie Mahoney, from the Australian Centre for Evidence Based Aged Care, who explains the new on-line education and training programs designed for the residential aged care sector. This initiative from the Victorian State Government addresses matters raised by the recent Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety about staff recognising imminent dying and preparing for the death of a resident.