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LUCILE SALTER PACKARD CHILDREN'S HSP AT STANFORD
PATIENT RIGHTS: CARE IN SAFE SETTING
Tag No.: A0144
Based on interview and record review, the hospital failed to provide care in a safe environment for one 10 patients when the attending physician made a "weird" comment directed at Patient 30. This failure had the potential to affect the patient's emotional health and safety.
Findings:
Review of a report received by the California Department of Public Health indicated on 9/28/24, Patient 30's family member (FM) alleged unprofessional conduct by a provider.
Review of Patient 30's Pre-Op History and Physical, dated 9/20/24 indicated the patient was 14 months old with trismus (condition which limits the ability to open the mouth) and chronic otitis media with effusion (COME, accumulation of fluid in middle ear).
During an interview on 10/7/24 at 10:31 a.m., the Vice President of the Medical Executive Committee (VP) stated he interviewed multiple people, including FM, Patient 30's attending physician (AP) and Hospitalist A (HA). The VP stated the AP and HA entered Patient 30's room on 9/27/24. He stated they interacted with the patient prior to discussing medical care with the family. The VP stated the AP said to Patient 30, "You're so cute. You're so pretty. You could be my girlfriend. Don't tell my wife." The VP added the AP did not deny making the comments to Patient 30. The VP stated FM thought the comment was odd. After discussing the interaction with another person, FM reported the comments made by the AP to the social worker the next day.
During an interview on 10/8/24 at 2:03 p.m., HA stated she entered Patient 30's room with AP to update FM regarding Patient 30's plan of care. HA stated the AP interacted with Patient 30 and said, "Hi Beautiful. Are you my girlfriend? Don't tell my wife." HA stated, "It was kind of a weird comment to make to a toddler."
Review of the hospital's policy, "Patient Rights and Responsibilities," revised 1/2023 indicated, "The Patient and/or Parent/Guardian(s) Have a Right To Respect and Personal Dignity" including, "Care that is considerate and respectful of the patient and/or parent/guardian(s)." The policy also indicated, "The Patient and/or Parent/Guardian(s) Have a Right To Quality Health Care" including, "Considerate and respectful care and to be made comfortable."