Patient Care Issue: The outstanding patient care issue for the organization
The patient in question is a 67-year-old female patient according to the medical history provided by the hospital. The patient suffered from a laparoscopic hysterectomy and after a series of complications she was operated on and admitted to hospital. It is important first to understand that healthcare is crucial and hospitals should provide utmost care to patients. A patient’s confidence is determined by the level of quality embedded in healthcare management for a particular hospital and as such, the patient requires understanding how the hospital works and whether there is cohesiveness in operations as well as outstanding patient care (Toussaint, 2016). In order to ensure this is achievable for any hospital, nurses who are an integral part of a hospital have to be in close contact with doctors and communicate the types of prescriptions subjected to patients.
They are also mandated to check on the conditions of patients by taking rounds as well as accompanying physicians while taking notes on what is said during these visits. In this case, there are some issues that were disregarded towards effective care to the patient by the nurses. Firstly there was no documentation of medical history in regards to the patient. Secondly, a physical was given to the patient after 72 hours upon admission which is contrary to the recommended range of 24 hours. Thirdly, though there was an initial nursing plan of care, it had not been updated since surgery. Fourthly, the nurse had a difficulty in explaining the range order policy that is used when administering drugs to the patient. Finally was the issue to do with the hand-off process, where the survey carried out showed that the utilization of the hand-off form was inconsistent, and information given was disjointed.
Corrective Action Plan:
There is a clear indication that Nightingale Community Hospital has been deficient in a few protocols as well safely keeping documentation that regards the treatment provided to the patient. It is important that the hospital recognizes and emphasizes to its nurses that it is crucial that a patient’s history is obtained and well documented. Collection and recording of the most up to date information concerning the patient is also of most importance, and the hospital should follow due standards set, that is standard IM.01.01.01, to make sure that the required information is readily accessible. There is also a need for the hospital to have their nurses adhere to the rules of performing assessments. The guidelines ensure a registered nurse assesses the data collected concerning the patient strictly within 24 hours. This is as recommended in the Nurse Practice Act so that the plan of care is well structured and adhered to.
The hospital also needs to put policies in place to ensure there is regular inspection, maintenance activities, and an assessment process of protocols set out by the Joint Commission. The hospital also needs to set aside a day when nurses are reminded of the hospital policies so as to keep the information fresh in their minds. Finally, the hospital should implement an integrated delivery system that ensures information-sharing, transitions of care, as well as, hands-off communication. This is critical in ensuring that the facility provides smooth movement of patients between hospitals or outpatient care settings. The hospital should do this with the aim of getting the Integrated Care Certification developed by the Joint Commission. This is critical in improving performance at the facility, as well as, the level of care provided to patients. All these actions are necessary if the hospital is to provide for the needs and wants of the patient and develop trust with patients and their families in an open and honest communication structure.
References:
Toussaint, J. (2016). Healthcare improvement can’t happen without better management. Healthcare. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.hjdsi.2016.02.008
