Open Forum

We have had several incidents where patients were transported to our Ophthalmology clinic for testing  that should not have been. i.e., contact precautions (not documented), running IV medications (Heparin). Does anyone have organizational guidelines/policies for transport with a nurse if necessary for the testing? Ideally, we would like to send the resident/fellow to the bedside to do testing to minimize disruption for the patient and increase safety. All we have is guidelines for critical care transport with a nurse. the literature is vague and not very helpful.

Thanks in advance for any insight into others best practices.

Lisa

Lisa,

I wanted you to know you are not alone in these issues. We are beginning to explore this issue. I did not respond sooner because I was in hopes your post would produce some already identified best practices.

In addition to the patient care concerns you have identified we are also trying to address:

How to identify these inpatient consults on clinic schedules

How and Where to document

Can we and if so how can we charge for the time in the clinic space during an inpatient encounter?

I am sure as we look into this issue we will identify additional barriers.

Hoping this thread will uncover someone that already has a solution. 

We have had several incidents where patients were transported to our Ophthalmology clinic for testing  that should not have been. i.e., contact precautions (not documented), running IV medications (Heparin). Does anyone have organizational guidelines/policies for transport with a nurse if necessary for the testing? Ideally, we would like to send the resident/fellow to the bedside to do testing to minimize disruption for the patient and increase safety. All we have is guidelines for critical care transport with a nurse. the literature is vague and not very helpful.

Thanks in advance for any insight into others best practices.

Lisa