Assumptions Can Mislead

About the Book

This book is based on stunning true stories about people of all ages in a wide variety of situations. The stories illustrate how unrecognized, incorrect assumptions can cause mistakes, misunderstandings, and tragic outcomes. Assumptions are interwoven into the very fabric of our lives. When we make an assumption we take something for granted. We accept it as fact. The stories also show our need to be respected and understood, the types of assumptions we make, and how we can recognize assumptions before we make them. This is a book about us and how our assumptions affect us. The stories led to the book's title and chapter titles. Most chapters begin with stories. Some of the twenty-one chapter titles are: Urgent!; Tenacious Assumptions, Dogged Beliefs; Automatic Assumptions Can Mislead; Betrayed; Now Will You Listen; Our Doctors Need Our Stories; When We Are Patients; Hospitals; Recognizing Assumptions. Because medical errors are a serious problem, we, as patients, and our medical professionals need to be aware of incorrect assumptions that can compromise our care. Orlando has shown us how we can recognize assumptions and get the story right. Whether in health care or elsewhere, getting the story right can sometimes be crucial.

About the Author

Mary C. (Mimi) Dye has a B.A. degree from Wellesley College, an M.N. degree and an M.S.N. degree from the Yale University School of Nursing. Her career has included: Associate Professor and Chair of the Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Program at the Yale University School of Nursing with a joint faculty appointment at the Connecticut Mental Health Center serving as clinician, clinical supervisor, and psychotherapist on inpatient, outpatient, and emergency services; Clinical Director of the Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, Office of the Northern New Hampshire Mental Health Center serving as administrator, supervisor, psychotherapist, and clinician in emergency services; member of a professional delegation to the People’s Republic of China with the People to People Ambassador Program; Associate Professor, Rivier College, Nashua, New Hampshire; and consultant for the Nursing Department of New Hampshire Hospital, Concord, New Hampshire, implementing Orlando Theory into clinical practice. As an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse she has been, and continues to be, a consultant and psychotherapist in private practice. She resides with her husband, David Dunham, in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire.