Case study: Repeating risk

BACKGROUND

A practice receives notice of a complaint following the death of a 75-year-old patient, Mrs H, from haemorrhagic shock. Examination had revealed that she also had an undiagnosed duodenal ulcer.

Her brother, Mr C, has raised concerns regarding the prescribing of diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used as pain relief for Mrs H’s rheumatoid arthritis. It transpires that Mrs H had been prescribed the drug on repeat for 12 years. Mr C is unaware of any medication review being carried out and states that Mrs H was not given a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) to protect her gut during that time. Mr C adds that a hospital consultant told him it was “likely” that the long-term use of diclofenac contributed to Mrs H’s death.

Mr C is unhappy with the care his sister received and is demanding answers from the practice regarding this apparent prescribing error.

ANALYSIS/OUTCOME

The practice reviews Mrs H’s records and it appears she declined at least three attempts by her GP, Dr A, to change her medication, saying she was happy with the diclofenac. Dr A also notes that the patient was not prescribed a PPI to protect against potential gut damage. He accepts that the practice should have been more alert to the impact of long-term diclofenac use.

The practice carries out an SEA and review of all patients currently receiving repeat prescriptions for diclofenac, and those affected are invited to discuss potential alternatives with their GP. It is decided to remove NSAIDs from the repeat prescribing list with immediate effect.

An MDDUS adviser helps the practice to respond to Mr C’s complaint, including an apology and a detailed note of the steps taken to review/tighten up repeat prescribing of NSAIDs for all patients.

Mr C accepts the response and the matter is closed without further action.

KEY POINTS

• Ensure all medications on the practice’s repeat prescribing list are appropriate.
• Your practice should have a system in place for regular clinical review of repeat medications.
• Conduct a prompt SEA when there are concerns that the care provided by the practice has contributed to a patient’s death.
• Provide an open and honest complaint response (after a detailed review of the care provided) in accordance with the duty of candour.
• Consider any statutory obligations to report death arising from the provision of a regulated activity (e.g. to the CQC in England).