Policy Manual sample

MDT Home Health Care Agency, Inc. 188 PATIENT EDUCATION - MEDICAL EQUIPMENT PURPOSE: To promote positive patient outcomes when medical equipment is used to provide patient care and services. POLICY: • Medical equipment company personnel as well as Agency personnel (skilled nurse/ therapist) are responsible for instructing the patient/family/caregiver in the safe and effective use of medical equipment and supplies. • Agency staff and contracted personnel are responsible for assuring that the patient/family/ caregiver have been appropriately instructed in the safe and effective use of medical equipment and/or supplies and that the patient’s home environment is safe and appropriate, or is adaptable for the safe use of the equipment. • Any instructions given to the patient/family/caregiver by outside providers, i.e., medical equipment supply companies, are to be communicated in writing to the Agency in a timely manner. PROCEDURE: • Medical supply personnel and/or the Agency skilled nurse/therapist provide patients/family members/caregivers with instructions that include the following as appropriate: • Basic purpose, description and operating instructions • Troubleshooting procedures • Correct use of equipment, supplies and accessories • Safety precautions and warning associated with the home use of the equipment • Any necessary cleaning or disinfecting procedures of the equipment or accessories and infection control precautions • Any maintenance to be performed by the patient/family/caregiver • Demonstration of the use of the equipment and return demonstration by the patient/ family member/caregiver • Backup equipment, accessories and emergency plans • Appropriate storage and transport of equipment