No jokes today, folks. Serious situation at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital (THPH).
A man has died, and at least two health care workers have been affected.
Especially distressing is THPH’s seeming absence of basic standards, and weak adherence to those that exist. This despite numerous heads-up calls from the Centre for Disease Control (CDC).
Is THPH the anomaly – or the norm? When it comes to deadly, highly infectious diseases, one would expect clear, simple standards for:
- Patient accommodation o Rooms – location, content & equipment, ventilation, surfaces
- Treatment protocol – in particular, how to eliminate exposure to toxic bodily fluids?
- Access - who has access, entry & exit process
- Personal protective equipment – use and disposal
- Housekeeping & disposal of hazardous waste – what, who, when & how
- Decontamination
Each standard should comprise:
- Content, sequence, timing & expected outcome, or
- Key point checklist
As for adherence to standards, is it too much expect visual tools, leader standard work and Kamishibai?
Instead, THBH issues a statement that’s pure ‘happy talk’:
"We have numerous measures in place to provide a safe working environment, including mandatory annual training and a 24-7 hotline and other mechanisms that allow for anonymous reporting. Our nursing staff is committed to providing quality, compassionate care, as we have always known, and as the world has seen firsthand in recent days. We will continue to review and respond to any concerns raised by our nurses and all employees."
Mama mia…
Don’t want to be misunderstood. I have no doubt that THBH team members are highly capable, committed and compassionate. (Some are likely heroic.)
But are they working a good management system?
Best regards,
Pascal
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