HospitalInspections.org

Based on observation, document review and interview, in 4 (four) of 12 (twelve) observations, the dietary staff did not completely identify patients during food tray delivery, as per facility policy.

This lapse in proper patient identification potentially placed patients at increased risk of adverse events.

Findings included:

The facility's policy and procedure (P&P) titled "Patient Identification," last revised February 2017, contained the following statement: "This policy and procedure is designed to ensure patient safety through correct patient identification for every patient at every encounter throughout the continuum of care....is not limited to all clinical and non-clinical services: food and nutrition services...use two patient identifiers - Full name and Date of Birth (DOB)...include active patient participation - patient states full name and DOB."

Observations in the facility's 2 East Unit during a tour on 9/18/19 between 11:35AM and 12:05PM identified the following:

Staff D (Food Service Aide) delivered a food tray to Patient #11, #12, #13 and #14. Staff D asked the patients their dates birth, but failed to ask the patients their names.

During interview of Staff D, at the time of observation, Staff D confirmed he should have asked the patients their names and dates of birth at the time of food delivery.

These observations were made in the presence of Staff H (Director of Nursing Services) who confirmed Staff D should have identified the patients using both their names and dates of birth.