Condition “H” program rolls out at Mercy Medical Center
Mercy Medical Center , 701 10th St. SE , has created a new program designed to partner with patients and families, known as Condition “H” (the “H” is for help).
“Condition ‘H’ is designed to increase patient safety and provide an immediate avenue for assistance when patients or their families feel they aren’t getting the attention they want or need,” said Vicki Keegan, Mercy’s director of patient relations. “We’ve had a very positive response from our patient and family advisors about this initiative.”
Condition “H” is designed to be used when:
- There is a noticeable change in the patient and the health care team (nurses, physicians, etc.) is either not present or not recognizing and responding to concerns;
- There is a breakdown in communication due to confusion among the health care team or confusion between the team and the family.
- There are health care concerns from patients and their families even after speaking with a member of the health care team.
Condition “H” calls may be made from any phone in the hospital by calling the operator to notify him/her of a Condition “H” situation. The operator will immediately notify a medical professional to assess the situation and additional support will be called in as needed.
Background
Condition “H” was first created after Josie King, an 18-month old, died in 2001 from a series of medical errors and poor communication at one of the best hospitals on the east coast. Due to the success of Condition “H” programs, health care systems all over the country are beginning to implement patient- and family-activated rapid response teams.
