Prospero Stories: A Supportive Care Team, No Matter The Time

The following is a true story; the names of the patient and caregiver in this story have been changed to protect their privacy. Images do not represent their likeness.

Elizabeth Courtney, a Prospero triage nurse, was on-call after hours on a Monday night when she received an urgent phone call. Scott, a caregiver, was on the line because his wife, Patricia, was displaying unusual behavior: her speech was slower, she was having trouble staying alert and awake, and her balance was worse than normal. Given the sudden change in behavior, as well as Patricia’s history with Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and schizophrenia, Elizabeth knew she had to act quickly.

After reviewing Patricia’s medical chart, Elizabeth discovered Patricia’s neurologist recently prescribed a new medication to help with Patricia’s worsening tremors. Elizabeth then consulted with Prospero’s on-call physician, who recommended Patricia stop taking the medication and directed a nurse practitioner to follow up in the morning.

The next morning, Prospero nurse practitioner Stephanie Orlando visited Patricia and Scott to see how Patricia was doing. Scott said Patricia’s condition had improved overnight. Stephanie met with Patricia and noted she was alert, able to answer questions, and that her speech and motor strength were back to normal.

“We are grateful that Prospero was there when we needed them.”

Scott, Patricia’s caregiver

Scott was extremely grateful he was able to speak with the Prospero care team at night, after hours. Their interventions prevented Scott from taking Patricia to the hospital, and the team provided him with the emotional support he needed.