HospitalInspections.org

Based on observation and interviews the facility failed to safeguard patient physical privacy and dignity for two (2) patients on the Intensive Care Unit. (Patient # 1, #2)

Findings were:

Observation on 7/9/15 at 8:25 AM, during a tour of STICU room NT208, revealed an elderly gentleman lying supine (on his back) in a bed. The glass doors were open and the privacy curtain was drawn back. The patient had a sheet covering his pelvis. There were multiple wires attached to his exposed chest, a large scar on his abdomen and his legs were exposed. The patient was restrained with soft wrist restraints and there was dark purple bruising observed around the restraint.
During an interview on 7/9/15 at 8:38 AM on the STICU, Staff #4, Registered Nurse (RN), stated the patient in NT208 had just been cleaned up and she was about to put a gown on him.
Record review for patient #1, in room NT208, reflected he was admitted on 6/23/15 with a diagnosis of Septic Shock and a history of Coronary Artery disease and Hypertension. The patient's cognitive status was recorded as drowsy, follows commands, nods to questions, and is aware.
Observation on 7/9/15 at 8:45 AM STICU of room NT230, ROM revealed a middle-aged gentleman lying supine in a bed. The glass doors were open and the privacy curtain was drawn back. The room was located at the end of a long hallway in a heavy traffic area. The patient had a sheet covering his genitals. The patient's upper torso, abdomen, hip, thigh and legs were exposed. The infusionist was sitting at bedside and a nurse was sitting outside the patient's room.
During an interview on 7/9/15 at 8:45 AM on the Cardio Thoracic Care Unit (CTCU), Staff #3, the STICU director stated the patient had recently been cannulized (requires a large tube insertion into the groin, creating a very high risk for bleeding) and needed to be monitored closely. When asked if the upper torso needed to be exposed, he stated no.
Review of the facility provided Policy, Patients' Rights and Responsibilities (August 2014) reflected; Patients, or patients legally designated representatives if and when applicable, have a right to
· Be treated with dignity, courtesy, consideration and respect.
· Be free from neglect; exploitation; verbal, mental, physical, and sexual abuses; and/or harassment.
· Be free from unlawful restraints, and to receive safe implementation of restraint or seclusion by trained staff.
· We will treat all with dignity, compassion, and respect for personal values, including spiritual beliefs.
· Patients have a right to privacy as outlined in law and regulation.