HospitalInspections.org

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Based on interview and document review, the hospital failed to implement its policies and procedures for the care of a patient that required the need of podiatry (foot care) services for 1 of 6 patient records reviewed (Patient #1).

Failure to implement the use of podiatry services puts patients at risk for a decreased quality of life when their foot care issues are not addressed.

Findings included:

1. Record review of the hospital's policy titled "Medical Staff Rules and Regulations" showed that consultation for specialized assessments needed to be done within 48 hours of a request.

2. Review of Patient #1's medical record showed that:

a. Patient #1 was admitted to the hospital on 04/18/19 for a respiratory condition. The patient was on a ventilator (machine that breathes for the patient) at the time of admission.

b. On 04/19/19, a physician ordered a podiatry consult for the patient's overgrown toenails.

c. On 06/27/19 the patient was discharged to a skilled nursing facility specializing in treating patients with respiratory conditions. The patient was no longer on a ventilator. The patient was able to breathe on their own. The patient had not received any services from a podiatrist (doctor specializing in the care of feet) while in the hospital.

3. On 08/06/19 at 9:45 AM, the investigator interviewed a licensed nurse (Staff #1). Staff #1 stated that the hospital's contracted podiatrist was contacted but the podiatrist had a medical emergency and was unable to come see the patient. Staff #1 stated that the hospital should have notified the attending physician and made arrangements for the patient to see another podiatrist.

4. On 08/06/19 at 12:15 PM, the investigator interviewed a licensed nurse (Staff #2). Staff #2 verified the above information.

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