HospitalInspections.org

Based on observation, interview, and record review, facility staff failed to ensure patients being triaged or re-evaluated by the Emergency Department (ED) staff were provided privacy which affected 3 (#s 15, 16, and 17) of 20 patients. Findings include:

1. During an observation on 8/6/19 at 2:20 p.m., patient #15 was seated in the main lobby used by the ED. The lobby was shared with patients awaiting hospital admissions and laboratory services. Staff member E obtained a set of vital signs using a machine. Eight people were seated adjacent to, and across from patient #15, as his vital signs were obtained; blood pressure, pulse, oxygen saturation, temperature, and respirations.

During an interview on 8/6/19 at 2:53 p.m., staff member E stated he was new to the triage process. The staff member stated he had been asked to obtain a set of vital signs after the nurse had gathered the patient's medical information. Staff member E stated he had been told it was okay to obtain the vital signs while the patient was seated in the lobby.

During an interview on 8/6/19 at 3:02 p.m., staff member H stated all licensed nurses working in the ED were performing triage duties. Staff member H stated patients were frequently triaged in the lobby, then patients were brought back to the ED to be evaluated and treated by the physician. The staff member stated there was "a room, off to the side" of the ED, where patient could be triaged in private, but that room was not used often.

During an interview on 8/6/19 at 3:07 p.m., patient #15 stated he had been triaged in the lobby. This included the reason for his visit and having a set of vital signs taken. Patient #15 stated he was from [State name] where more privacy was offered when visiting the ED.

2. During an observation on 8/6/19 at 3:35 p.m., staff member F triaged patient #16 in the lobby used by the ED. Staff member F asked patient #16 about her chief complaint, or reason for being at the ED and medical history, to include radiologic findings. Four other patients were seated within the patient's speaking vicinity. Staff member F followed up with obtaining a set of vital signs before approaching another patient seated in the lobby.

During an interview on 8/6/19 at 3:42 p.m., staff member F stated the ED was very busy. The staff member stated patients were often triaged while waiting in the lobby. Staff member F stated it was not ideal but it worked best for the staff.

During an interview on 8/6/19 at 3:53 p.m., patient #16 stated she would have preferred to have be triaged in a more private area. Patient #16 stated she did not like giving out personal medical information with others around listening.

3. During an observation and interview on 8/6/19 at 3:47 p.m., staff member F re-evaluated patient #17 in the lobby used by the ED. Patient #17 stated he had been waiting "for a long time." The patient was moaning in pain and stated he was having difficulty swallowing. Patient #17 was spitting into an emesis bag and holding his right jaw next to his ear. Staff member F obtained another set of vital signs and told patient #17 his blood pressure was high, most likely due to pain. Staff member F also told patient #17 he was slightly febrile, most likely due to infection. Ten patients were observed seated and standing near patient #17.

During an interview on 8/6/19 at 3:57 p.m., patient #17 stated he would have preferred to have been triaged in a more private area. Patient #17 stated he did not like giving his personal medical information with others listening.

Review of the facility's policy, Privacy and Confidentiality, read, "It is the policy of [facility name] that the privacy and confidentiality of patients, residents and staff will be held with the utmost importance..."

Review of the facility's policy, Triage, Emergency Department, read, "...Provide privacy, if possible..."