Resident Incident/ Accident's

[panurse101]

I am the "risk manager" in our facility. I finally got the DON and NHA to give my idea's a try re: investigation unknown injuries ie: bruises, skin tears, etc. The state DOH requires an investigation to prove that abuse did not occur, and that requires obtaining statements from anyone involved with that resident's care, or witnessed the incident, or anyone that can shed some light on the subject; visitors and staff. Previously, we had the supervisors in charge of obtaining statements. This is and has been a problem, because there just isnt enough time in the day to get everything done, and obtaining statements is the last thing on their minds. (even though they know how important it is) DOH recently came in on a revisit and thankfully, cleared us of past deficiencies, however, they did see a problem with statements not getting done in time. I, as the "risk manager", asked to do the investigation, and take it off the supervisors on the floor. They can start it, obtaining the first ones, if it occurs on their shift. But, otherwise, I would make the calls, track staff and visitors down.

My question to everyone out there is: Is this how your facility is handling investigations for injuries of unknown origins? Who is doing the investigation? I just want to update our process, and looking for ideas as well.

Thank you, Tracy

[Talino]

Follow the guidelines instead of facility practice ....

http://www.aasa.dshs.wa.gov/Professional/documents/purplebook.pdf

pp 14-20

[donmomofnine]

have them document the information you need on the incident report. design an incident report that gets you all the info you need.

[FROGGYLEGS, LPN]

I worked at one LTC that required everyone involved to write out a brief statement in their own words as to what happened or what they discovered. This applied whether it was a witnessed event such as lowering a resident to the floor or if they had found something r/t an unknown cause. It was such a routine that everyone automatically turned theirs in right afterward.

As for the rest of the LTCs I've worked at, we've just done the incident report. I'm not in mgmt and I honestly have no idea as to how they get their statements or if they are required to have them. I've filled out about a trillion reports, but I have never been asked for a statement regarding any of them.