HospitalInspections.org

Based on interviews and document review the facility staff failed to ensure 2 of 22 patients (Patients #19 and 20) were provided information to make an informed decision regarding the administration of blood or blood products.

Patient #19 was administered packed red blood cells and the consent has an illegible signature scribbled on the paper with no date and time and there is no date and time by the physician's signature as to when the risk and consequences for the use of blood was explained to Patient #19.

Patient #20's Consent to Surgery or Medical Procedure was not dated and timed by the physician and the Consent to Use Blood/Blood Components/Blood Products was signed by the physician 9 days after the procedure.

The findings include:

Patient #19 was admitted on 8/28/12 and was administered blood products on 8/29/12 and 9/08/12. The Consent to Use Blood/Blood Components/Blood Products had a scribble that covers approximately 1/4th of the page there is no date or time beside of the scribble. There are 2 witness signatures but no explanation as to why the scribble is there and not a signature for the patient. The physician has signed the risks and benefits but failed to date and time the explanation.

Patient #20 was admitted on 7/13/12 due to a hip fracture. Patient #20's daughter signed the Consent to Surgery or Medical Procedure on 7/13/12. The physician signed the consent stating the risks and benefits had been explained but failed to date and time the consent.

Patient #20's daughter gave telephone consent on 7/16/12 for Consent to Use Blood/Blood Components/Blood Products. The physician signed the signed the risks and benefits which was dated and timed 9 days after the blood was administered.

The Vice President of Patient Care Services stated, "I guess we have more work to do with the physicians."