Trauma: C-Spine Case Study - Near Drowning

Course overview

This course explores the potential consequences of a failure to diagnose cervical spine injury using a case study as the basis for learning. Through discussion and analysis of the case, learners will gain an understanding of the factors that contributed to the missed diagnosis, as well as strategies for preventing similar incidents in the future. After completing this activity, providers/members of the healthcare team should be able to: describe the potential mechanisms of injury and consequences of cervical spine injury in patients who experience near-drowning incidents; recognize common heuristics or cognitive dispositions to respond that may impact decision-making in the diagnosis and management of cervical spine injuries, including anchoring, diagnostic momentum, and availability bias; apply strategies for preventing similar incidents of failure to diagnose cervical spine injury, including appropriate immobilization and effective communication between healthcare providers; and understand the related medicolegal issues, including causation and the patient-physician relationship.