The Office of the Health Ombudsman (OHO) commenced systemic investigations following a complaint in relation to the care provided to a consumer who lived with developmental conditions and presented to two hospitals in Queensland following seizures.

Wider learnings and recommendations for service improvements

The investigation identified opportunities for improvement and proposed recommendations relating to:

• Reviewing the relevant seizure management procedure in relation to any required observation period/s, referrals for Electroencephalogram (EEG) testing and additional considerations to be undertaken in relation to people who may be at increased risk of harm, recurrent seizures or otherwise present with conditions making it more difficult to accurately diagnose seizures (such as those with developmental disability).
• Sourcing or developing communication aids to support patients with communication difficulties arising from developmental disabilities, which could include visual schedules, picture cards or assistive communication devices such as electronic tablets.
• Development of communication tools for staff to assist in managing delays in care caused by emergency department workload pressures.

Read the snapshot report (PDF 139KB)