Patient Rights and Responsibilities in 23 Hour Respite Care

Infection Control Measures for Patient Care

  • Hand Hygiene: Adherence to proper handwashing techniques before and after patient contact is crucial in preventing infections.

  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Proper use of PPE such as gloves, masks, gowns, and eye protection helps reduce the risk of exposure to infectious agents.

  • Environmental Cleaning: Regular cleaning and disinfection of patient care areas and equipment are essential to prevent the spread of infections.

  • Respiratory Hygiene/Cough Etiquette: Encouraging patients to cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing can help prevent the transmission of respiratory infections.

  • Isolation Precautions: Implementing isolation protocols for patients with contagious infections can prevent the spread of pathogens to other patients and healthcare workers.

  • Safe Injection Practices: Ensuring sterile techniques during medication administration and other invasive procedures can prevent the transmission of infections.

  • Waste Disposal: Proper disposal of medical waste helps prevent the spread of infections within healthcare facilities and the community.

  • Education and Training: Ongoing education and training of healthcare staff on infection control practices are essential to maintain a safe care environment.

By following these infection control measures, healthcare facilities can uphold patient safety standards and minimize the risk of healthcare-associated infections.

Identification:

  • All patients entering the program will be checked for lice and bed bugs during the intake process using proper lighting and magnification tools.

  • Staff members conducting the checks will be trained on how to identify signs of lice infestations (such as nits attached to hair shafts) and bed bugs (small reddish-brown insects or their shed skins).

Policy and Procedural Steps for Handling Patients Infected with Lice in a 4 Recliner Respite Program without an Isolation Area:

  1. Upon identification of a patient infected with lice, inform the healthcare provider or designated staff member immediately for accurate diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

  2. Allocate a designated area away from other patients for the infected individual to wait until they can be taken home or to seek treatment.

  3. Advise the infected patient to avoid close contact with others and to refrain from using shared items such as blankets, pillows, or hats.

  4. Provide the patient with information on lice treatment options and resources for obtaining necessary products.

  5. Notify all staff members and patients who may have come into contact with the infected individual about the situation while maintaining patient confidentiality.

  6. Thoroughly clean and disinfect the area where the infected patient was seated using appropriate cleaning agents.

  7. Educate staff and patients on the prevention of lice transmission, including proper hygiene practices and avoidance of sharing personal items.

  8. Follow up with the infected patient and their caregiver to ensure successful treatment and clearance of lice infestation before readmission to the program.

  9. Review and update this policy as necessary to reflect current guidelines and best practices in lice management.

Procedural Steps:

a.Assessment:

The Nurse Practitioner should assess the reasons for non-compliance and the patient's desire to leave Against Medical Advice (AMA). The potential risks to the patient's health or others if they leave should be included in the assessment of the reasons for non-compliance and the patient's desire to leave AMA.

b. Communication:

    • The Nurse Practitioner is to clearly communicate with the patient the reasons for their treatment and the risks of leaving.

    • The Nurse Practitioner is to explore and address any concerns or barriers contributing to non-compliance.

c. Documentation:

    • Staff is to document all interactions, decisions, and assessments regarding the patient's non-compliance and desire to leave AMA.

d. Consultation:

    • The Nurse Practitioner is to consult with the treatment team, including case managers and peer specialists, to help identify the best course of action.

    • In complex cases, the Nurse Practitioner is to consult program management or psychiatrist on call, to determine the best course of action.

e. Informed Consent:

    • If the patient insists on leaving AMA, ensure they understand the risks and consequences of their decision.

    • Obtain informed consent if the patient chooses to leave against medical advice.

f. Safety Measures:

    • If the patient poses a danger to themselves or others, take necessary precautions to ensure safety.

      • This most likely will involve completing an Emergency Petition and contacting Emergency Medical Services (EMS) for assistance with safe transport to the nearest hospital.

    • Develop a safety plan in collaboration with the patient if they are willing to stay for further treatment.

g. Follow-Up: The Nurse is to provide the patient with information on seeking follow-up care or resources if they leave AMA. Staff is to offer support and encouragement for the patient to re-engage with treatment when ready.

BHCS Crisis Center Services Operational During Inclement Weather

BHCS Crisis Center services, including CSR, are designed to remain operational during inclement weather or power outages. The Crisis Center Suite, which includes the CSR area, is equipped with a generator system to ensure continuity of operations in such circumstances.

In situations where there is a disruption to mainline telephone services, calls will be seamlessly switched to a backup cell phone system to maintain communication channels. Moreover, the Crisis Center is committed to being fully staffed during all emergency situations, ensuring that essential services are available when needed the most.

In the unfortunate event of a catastrophic incident that renders the building uninhabitable, CSR staff will take immediate action to arrange safe housing for residents until they can be discharged. Detailed emergency procedures are outlined in 1.H.5 of our protocols to guide staff during such critical situations.

Crisis Stabilization Program Medication Policy and Procedures:

Policy Statement: The Crisis Stabilization Program (CSP) provides medication services to clients requiring crisis intervention while ensuring safe and effective administration of medications. Medication services are delivered in accordance with applicable laws and regulations to promote the well-being of individuals under our care.

Procedural Steps:

  1. Medication Ordering Process:

    • All medications must be prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider.

    • Medication orders must include the client's name, medication name, dosage, frequency, and any necessary instructions.

    • Orders are to be entered into the client’s medical record and reviewed by a registered nurse.

  2. Medication Storage:

    • Medications are stored securely in a designated medication room accessible only to authorized personnel.

    • Medications are stored according to manufacturer’s instructions and are regularly checked for expiration dates.

  3. Medication Dispensing:

    • Medications are dispensed by authorized staff members trained in medication administration.

    • Each medication dispensed is double-checked by another authorized staff member for accuracy.

  4. Medication Administration:

    • Medications are administered at the prescribed times and dosages as per the orders.

    • Staff administering medications are responsible for verifying the client's identity and checking for any allergies or contraindications.

    • Documentation of medication administration, including any side effects or deviations, is recorded in the client’s medical record.

  5. Medication Monitoring:

    • Clients receiving medications are monitored for therapeutic effects, side effects, and adverse reactions.

    • Any issues related to medication effectiveness or side effects are reported to the healthcare provider for further evaluation.

  6. Medication Disposal:

    • Disposal of expired, discontinued, or unused medications is conducted following proper procedures as outlined by regulatory guidelines.

    • Disposal records are maintained for auditing purposes.

Conclusion: The CSP Medication Policy and Procedures aim to ensure the safe, accurate, and effective delivery of medication services to clients in crisis, ultimately supporting their stabilization and well-being during their stay in the program.