HospitalInspections.org

Based on interview, record review and review of hospital policies and procedures the hospital failed to include the family of a patient (Patient #1) in the discharge planning process.

Failure to include the family in the discharge process places patients at risk for an unsucessful post hospital placement which may include a deterioration in the patient's condition.

Findings include:

1. The hospital policy titled "Civil Discharge Planning and Community Agency Participation", policy 2:14, issued 8/17 read in part "Treatment teams will seek input and provide opportunity for direct involvement of patient, family, significant others, case managers".

"All WSH (Western State Hospital) patients (and family when they are involved in decision-making) will receive meaningful educational opportunities assisting the patient in understanding what led to their current hospitalization and what ongoing care, treatment and services are needed to be successful in the community and continue the recovery process.

2. Review of Patient #1's record revealed the patient's had a discharge assessment completed in October 2017. There was no documentation the patient's family was notified of the outcome of the discharge assessment or was being included in the discharge planning process.

3. Staff A was interviewed on 11/8/17 at 1:30 P.M. Staff A stated they had left a voice mail for one of Patient #1's family members regarding completing some financial paperwork. Staff A had not discussed the discharge assessment findings with the patient or any of the patient's family members.

4. Staff B was interviewed on 11/8/17 at 1:45 P.M. Staff B verified the above. Staff B stated anytime a patient had a discharge assessment completed the family if they were involved with the patient should be informed of the results as well as the patient.