Re[2]: Ethical Considerations

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the input.

Dave Milano's suggestion (Vicks) is a life-saver! I mad the situation

very much bearable.

Today's OT visit included discussion on wound/skin hygiene,

cross-contamination and prevention. Patient has agreed to remove soiled

bedding and replace with plastic covered pillows, mattress pad, etc.

While not sure, I do believe it is the bedding which is grossly

contaminated with body fluids.

This is NOT a situation of being dirty, unclean or unkept or even

cultural differences. This is a situation which I think places the

patient at increased health risk.

Thanks again!!!!

Ron

--

Ron Carson MHS, OTR/L

Hope Therapy Services, LLC

www.HopeTherapyServices.com

===============<Original Message>===============

On 10/2/2007, dmilano@... said:

MD> One of our now-retired home-health therapists used to carry a jar of Vick's

VapoRub in his

MD> equipment bag. A dab at each nostril made visits to homes like the one you

describe bearable. Lesser

MD> of evils, I guess.

MD> The first question that arises is whether the smell's source is a health

hazard--i.e. worthy of

MD> sensitive intervention--or just one of those things we must chalk up to

different stokes for

MD> different folks. Neither of those things is, IMHO, reason for discharge.

MD> A strong conviction that something must be done is the parent of many bad

measures.

MD> Webster

MD> Dave Milano, PT, Director of Rehab Services

MD> Laurel Health System

MD> Ethical Considerations

MD> Hello All:

MD> I would like to hear opinion on the ethical/medical considerations of

MD> discharging patient treatment because the home environment has a very

MD> foul smell. Situation was discussed with patient who stated he couldn't

MD> smell it. He told me to open the bedroom door. Other family members also

MD> seemed relatively unconcerned. At this point, the source of the smell is

MD> unknown. Patient has had infected wounds and source may be the mattress.

MD> Options to consider? Possible solutions?

MD> Thanks,

MD> Ron

MD> --

MD> Ron Carson MHS, OTR/L

MD> Hope Therapy Services, LLC

MD> www.HopeTherapyServices.com

MD>