How Poor Management of Complications Can Lead to Shock and PTSD

When life throws the unexpected, such as a medical emergency or a car accident, the last thing anyone expects is for complications to be mismanaged. Yet, this is still a possibility that can turn an already stressful event into a life-altering one. Read on to learn how poor management of complications can lead to shock and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

1. Understanding the Immediate Danger of Shock

Shock is a life-threatening condition where the body’s organs and tissues do not receive adequate blood flow. If complications are mismanaged because of a delayed diagnosis, limited resources, or lack of expertise, your risk of going into shock can increase. This could lead to more extended hospital stays, irreversible organ damage, and fatalities.
In most cases, this can occur due to various complications, such as:

• Septic Shock caused by untreated or poorly managed infections.
• Hypovolemic Shock triggered by severe blood loss, often due to delayed surgical intervention or misdiagnosis.
• Cardiogenic Shock resulting from heart-related complications that are overlooked or misdiagnosed.

2. From Physical Trauma to Psychological Scars

The physical consequences of shock don’t highlight everything. If you survive mismanaged medical complications, you might often recount feelings of helplessness, fear, and betrayal, which can lead to psychological trauma if they’re left unchecked.

These are common warning signs of severe trauma:

• Intrusive thoughts or flashbacks of the traumatic event.
• Avoidance behaviours, such as skipping follow-up appointments out of fear.
• Constantly feeling on edge.
• Being emotionally detached from loved ones.

3. The Role of Healthcare Providers in Preventing Trauma

Healthcare systems can help determine whether complications are effectively managed. This is why when healthcare providers fail to deliver patient-centred care, they contribute to psychological trauma. Common concerns that can contribute to poor management include:

• Overburdened healthcare workers who may miss critical signs of trauma.
• Lack of communication which can heighten anxiety and feelings of helplessness.
• Inadequate pain management due to a lack of resources.
• Failure to acknowledge complaints from patients about their psychological distress.

4. How Poor Management of Complications Trigger PTSD

• Acute Stress Response: During or immediately after the mismanaged event, you may show acute stress symptoms such as panic, confusion, or dissociation. For example, if you experience surgical complications which are ignored, you may feel overwhelmed by the sudden deterioration caused by your condition.
• Lack of Emotional Processing: Without a clear explanation or adequate follow-up care for your diagnosis, you may feel that your healthcare professional is not supporting you, making it more difficult to process your emotions.
• Chronic Symptoms: Over time, unresolved distress manifests as chronic PTSD symptoms, such as nightmares, anxiety, and difficulty trusting healthcare professionals.

5. Breaking the Cycle: Prevention and Intervention

Proactive measures are necessary to prevent shock and PTSD at every stage of care. Various steps should be taken, which include:

Timely and Accurate Diagnosis

Early detection of complications can help avoid life-threatening consequences. This is why it is important to equip healthcare providers with sources to ensure they know how to recognise early warning signs, such as reading vitals.

Clear and Compassionate Communication

As a patient, you and your family should be informed of the risks and steps taken during procedures. Compassionate communication can help relieve fear and build trust, making most patients feel like active participants in their care.

Holistic Care Models

Finding ways to include psychological support in medical care can help address the emotional turmoil that arises due to complications. This could include:

• Offering crisis counselling immediately after traumatic events.
• Training staff to recognise signs of emotional distress and ways to handle emotionally vulnerable patients.
• Providing access to mental health professionals during recovery.

Follow-Up Care

Recovery doesn’t end when the patient leaves the hospital. Scheduled follow-ups can help ensure that physical and psychological complications are addressed. This continuity of care out-of-hospital can prevent minor issues from escalating and gives patients the reassurance they need.

6. What Patients Can Do

While healthcare systems and professionals have a responsibility to uphold, you and your loved ones can also take proactive steps to safeguard your well-being by:

• Ensuring you understand your diagnosis, treatment plan, and potential complications.
• Seeking second opinions if you feel uncertain about your care, you shouldn’t hesitate to consult another healthcare provider.
• Speaking up if your symptoms are dismissed or ignored.
• Prioritising your mental health and if you’re struggling emotionally, seek help from a counsellor or therapist.

The ripple effects of poor complication management can be devastating and end up impacting your physical and mental health. By addressing the systemic issues that contribute to mismanagement, healthcare providers can prevent unnecessary suffering and reduce the risk of shock and PTSD. This is why your Affinity Rescue plan ensures you receive immediate and adequate medical emergency services.