I am sharing this experience for patient awareness.
Several aspects of this visit raised concerns for me regarding process, consent, and patient safety. I was asked to sign a document on a tablet without being shown or given an opportunity to review its contents. I assumed it was a standard IV consent, but no details were explained.
I was asked whether I had...
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I am sharing this experience for patient awareness.
Several aspects of this visit raised concerns for me regarding process, consent, and patient safety. I was asked to sign a document on a tablet without being shown or given an opportunity to review its contents. I assumed it was a standard IV consent, but no details were explained.
I was asked whether I had eaten that day, and I answered that I had not. For reference it was 6pm. No explanation was provided as to why this mattered, and no additional guidance was given. My blood pressure was taken and the IV was inserted without any discussion of what to expect during treatment.
During the session, a child (approximately pre-teen) who was not receiving treatment came into the room and was somewhat active. I was not informed beforehand that non-patients might be present in a treatment room.
There was no medical attendant present in the room during the infusion, and no periodic monitoring. As this was my first time receiving this IV combination, I expected at least basic oversight or a brief explanation of possible reactions. I was told to ring the bell to have the fluids changed.
When a subsequent drip began, I experienced immediate and a burning sensation in my arm near the IV site. I rang for assistance multiple times before staff responded. I could visibly see blood in the top of the IV line and on my arm, which caused additional alarm. I clearly and repeatedly requested that the IV be stopped and removed. I was told the sensation and blood were “normal” and that staff needed to “ask the doctor” before removing the IV because the drip had already started . Despite my repeated requests and visible distress, I was asked to wait while the burning continued. The IV was only removed after several minutes and when I insisted and gestured that I would begin recording the repeated refusal.
Afterward, I requested to pay only for the portion of treatment received and to leave. I was initially quoted a significantly higher amount for a partial treatment, which was later changed. I also had to insist on receiving proof of payment since I didn’t see what I signed.
Overall, this experience raised concerns for me regarding informed consent, patient monitoring, responsiveness to pain complaints, professionalism, and transparency.
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