The VIP patient syndrome in Latin America is known as “The recommended patient syndrome” a tale of unfortunate decisions and complications.

Abstract

When a VIP patient or a patient who has an economic, social or family relationship with the doctors who treat them, arrive to the ER there is a subtle risk of making unorthodox decisions, Also, wasting resources, breaking standards of care and in the lowest scenario causing unintended complications to the patient. Case Report: We report a 55-year-old patient related to a physician. She was admitted to the emergency room due to abdominal pain, on admission was suspected appendicitis versus abdominal mass, an abdominal CT scan with contrast was performed and she developed an allergic reaction due to the contrast, she required intubation that was complicated with selective intubation and a massive atelectasis. After removal the orotracheal tube she presented fentanyl toxicity and finally after discharge developed post-traumatic stress. Conclusion: in LA (Latin America) this syndrome is an entity that exists, has been little described and in our knowledge has never been quantified. Patients are victims of multiple non-malicious complications, which originate in the desire of their health team trying to provide a closer, faster and more personalized attention outside of the guidelines of treatment. Ethical principles and prevention should be strengthened through an adequate clinical history and a detailed physical examination to avoid this event.