Patient not being cared for properly and how Spectral Analytics Precision Tele-Monitoring can assist physicians to proactively manage their patients’ care. 

By: Christina DiArcangelo, CEO, Spectral Analytics Precision Tele-Monitoring

If a healthcare system fails to manage a patient with congestive heart failure (CHF) by using opioids and the patient repeatedly tests positive on toxicology screens, it can lead to several failures and negative outcomes. Below are some potential issues.
 

The first issue is the illegal abuse of opioid while being diagnosed with CHF. If a patient is obtaining opioids from an illegal source, it will only worsen the patient’s condition. CHF requires comprehensive management involving medications like diuretics, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and lifestyle modifications. If opioids are used inappropriately as treatment, it can result in inadequate control of CHF.

The second issue is the side effects of using Opioids. Opioids carry a range of side effects, including respiratory depression, constipation, sedation, and addiction potential. Using opioids without a clear medical indication in CHF patients can expose them to unnecessary risks and complications. Moreover, if the patient tests positive for opioids on toxicology screens, it suggests potential misuse or abuse, which further increases the risks associated with opioid use. It is up to the healthcare provider to take a stand to assist patients that are abusing opioids.

The third issue is the failure to address underlying issues regarding the patient who is abusing opioids. If the healthcare system solely focuses on addressing the underlying causes of congestive heart failure. But reviewing the entire patient’s medical history maybe then the patient’s mental health disabilities will be worked on. By not doing so, this type of patient management neglects critical aspects of the patient's care. CHF often requires lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, fluid restrictions, and management of comorbidities like hypertension or diabetes, and review of a patient’s mental health. By not addressing these factors, the healthcare system fails to provide comprehensive care to the patient.

The fourth issue is missed opportunities for interventions by not truly treating the patient wholly. CHF is a complex condition that requires a multidisciplinary approach. By not managing the patient appropriately and addressing the underlying issues, the healthcare system misses opportunities for interventions that could potentially improve the patient's quality of life and long-term outcomes. This may include cardiac rehabilitation, patient education, mental health assistance, and involving other specialists like cardiologists, nutritionists, and physical therapists.

The fifth issue is the lack of coordination and continuity of care. Inadequate management and repeated positive toxicology screens suggest a lack of coordination and continuity of care within the healthcare system. Effective management of CHF requires close monitoring, regular follow-ups, and a collaborative approach among healthcare providers. Failure to coordinate care and ensure proper communication can lead to fragmented and suboptimal care for the patient.

The sixth issue is ethical concerns. If a patient repeatedly tests positive for opioids on toxicology screens, it raises ethical concerns about potential substance abuse issues or diversion of medication. The healthcare system should address these concerns proactively, ensuring appropriate interventions and referrals to addiction specialists or pain management experts if necessary.

It is important to note that the specific circumstances of each patient's case and the underlying reasons for the use of opioids and toxicology screen results should be thoroughly assessed by healthcare professionals to fully understand the failures of the healthcare system in managing the patient's condition.

The patient that I was describing above passed away at age 43 from Covid but primarily due to his heart not functioning when he got diagnosed with Covid due to previously having CHF. Covid was the cause of death, but the underlying issues were severe mental health disabilities and congestive heart failure. This patient had been treated in the same hospital around 18 times prior to the diagnosis of Covid and then death. Every time the patient was admitted to the hospital, a toxicology screen was completed, and he tested positive for opioids and other illegal drugs. Nothing was done to help this patient. He was not being monitored. He left behind two children (ages 6 and 25). That patient was my brother, Albert J. DiArcangelo, II.

The solution that can be executed in this instance is the utilization of Spectral Analytics Precision TeleMonitoring (www.spectralanalyticsptm.com ). The system is designed to enable physicians and health care providers to be proactive with their medical care. The ability to see all labs, medical record, biometrics due to the wearables per patient as well as any admittance into hospital is key in a patient's overall care.

The Spectral Analytics Precision Tele-Monitoring system was designed to be intuitive, informative and can monitor the subjects through the artificial intelligence bots 24 x 7 days a week. The system does not go down and it guarantees visibility for all medical professionals attached to their patients. Spectral Analytics Precision Tele-Monitoring fires alerts to the patients’ medical staff when a medical instance is occurring. The system becomes the eyes and ears for the physician and other health care professionals. Spectral Analytics Precision Tele-Monitoring was built to improve patients’ lives and in the same way ensuring that the patients stay alive. We save lives.

To learn more about Spectral Analytics Precision Tele-Monitoring, please email us at kimberly@spectralanalytics.net.