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Friday, March 28, 2003When patients and their supporters fear that something has gone very wrong, they may see the news spotlight as a rescue strategy or as a form of protection - almost as insurance. The spotlight can also offer an opportunity for revenge. Suddenly, an institution and its physicians are on trial before the public. And in this type of trial there are few rules. Physicians at Duke describe a disruptive, chaotic scene, with an invasion of excited lawyers, photographers, reporters, and family supporters around the pediatric intensive care unit. Dr. Duane Davis, surgical director of the transplantation program, said, "The worst aspect was that the patient became secondary to the conflict between caregivers and the patient's supporters." As the patient died, there were wild accusations charged with animosity. The patient became secondary. Secondary to her “self-proclaimed godfather’s” desire to garner as much publicity as possible. Secondary to the lawyer’s desire for a well-publicized case. Secondary to the photographer’s desire for a heart-wrenching photo-op. Secondary to the reporters desire for a human interest story of great magnitude. Bad form all around. posted by Sydney on 3/28/2003 08:30:00 AM 0 comments 0 Comments: |
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