Skip to content
DeliriumSupportGet help now
MenuClose
Get help now

Home / Stories / Story C41

Sent home too soon

Illustrated Story C41, with a text transcript.

Read story C41: Sent home too soon (image and text)
Six-panel story: an older woman’s delirium is missed in the emergency department. She worsens at home, returns to hospital, receives treatment and improves; the team acknowledges the missed diagnosis.

Sent home too soon

Jean is suddenly confused, but the change is not recognised as delirium when she first attends hospital. After discharge she becomes more unwell. Her daughter seeks urgent help; on her return, the team recognises delirium and treats the contributing illness. The missed assessment is acknowledged before a safer discharge.

Example case. Names and dialogue are illustrative. Individual experiences and recovery vary.

Open full-size story

Story text

  1. Panel 1. Jean is brought to the emergency department with new confusion.

    • Kate: This is not normal for her. It started today.

  2. Panel 2. The change is not recognised as delirium. Jean is sent home.

  3. Panel 3. At home, Jean becomes harder to wake. Kate calls emergency services.

    • Kate: She is much worse than when we left.

  4. Panel 4. On readmission, delirium is recognised. A chest infection and dehydration are treated.

    • Doctor: She needs treatment and close review.

  5. Panel 5. Over several days, her thinking clears.

    • Jean: I would like to go home when I’m ready.

  6. Panel 6. Before discharge, the team checks her support and follow-up.

    • Doctor: We missed the delirium on your first visit. I’m sorry.

Bottom band. New or worsening confusion needs assessment—even after someone has been sent home.

Back to all Stories