Description of Clinical Services
Activity Therapy
The activities therapy program provided for inpatient
and partial hospitalization patients includes a variety of services to meet
the physical, social, cultural and recreational health maintenance and rehabilitation
needs of each patient. These services assist in the formation and development
of new behavior patterns, problem-solving abilities, and the internalization
of healthy adaptive responses to internal and environmental stressors.
Consultation and Referrals
The attending medical staff is responsible for
requesting consultations when indicated. Members of the consulting staff are
used for these services unless the services are not immediately available or
additional outside expert opinions are needed. A satisfactory consultation includes
examination of the patient and documentation of findings and follow-up in the
medical record.
Diagnostic Testing and Procedures
Alliance Health Center provides for limited
diagnostic tests and procedures within the facility. Other diagnostic tests,
including radiology, EEG, emergency and laboratory services, are provided by
contracted services.
Dietary Services
Dietary services are available to all patients
seven days a week with three meals per day during regularly scheduled hours
for all patients. Dietary services to PHP will be program-specific. Nutritious
snacks are available in unit galleys. The Dietary Department also provides meals
for staff at economical rates.
Patients are served nutritionally balanced meals
planned under the supervision of a registered dietician and in accordance with
the written orders of the attending psychiatrist. Special consideration is made
in food preparation and appealing presentation. Individual patient food preferences
and nutritional needs are also taken into consideration. The dietician provides
consultation and education of patients on special diets.
The dietary department provides services under
the direction of the food service manager with consultation and direction by
a contract dietician.
Transportation and dental service cost are the
responsibility of the patient.
Education Services
Education services are provided to children and
adolescents in a classroom or study room environment. For most inpatients, educational
assistance is provided in a tutorial mode with a goal of maintaining the patient's
school level and improving study skills. Patients with longer lengths of stay
will receive individualized instruction with certified teachers in small classroom
settings and, if needed, a comprehensive evaluation of abilities and aptitude,
as well as an assessment for any academic deficits or learning disabilities.
An individualized education plan may be implemented based upon patient need,
ability and the treatment plan.
Emergency Services
The medical staff provides emergency psychiatric
and medical services 24 hours a day. A written plan for management of medical
and psychiatric emergencies has been developed to provide emergency services
to those patients requiring immediate medical evaluation and treatment for urgent
conditions. The plan includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- An agreement with Rush Foundation Hospital
provides for transfer of any patient in need of treatment for an urgent medical
condition that cannot be treated by Alliance Health Center.
- The attending physician or on-call physician
shall authorize the use of emergency services and secure an accepting physician
at the receiving facility.
- The nursing supervisor shall assure administrative
approval from Alliance Health Center and the receiving facility, assure that
a memorandum of transfer is completed, the accepting facility has been notified,
and the patient’s family or significant other has been informed of the need
for emergency treatment.
Medical Services
A qualified physician under the direction of
the admitting psychiatrist may provide medical services. The consulting physician
is responsible for a complete medical history and general physical examination.
Clinically appropriate diagnostic tests will be provided as indicated from the
medical history and clinical evaluation. The physician is also responsible for
the diagnostic work-up and test evaluation of any detected or suspected medical
disorders, as well as their clinical management. Qualified medical specialists
may be requested to consult on the care of any patient with specific medical
needs.
Nursing Services
Nursing care services are organized under the
direction of the nurse executive as defined in the hospital plan for nursing
care. Registered nurses, licensed practical/vocational nurses, and mental health
technicians who are qualified by education and experience to assume the responsibilities
for patient care provide nursing care. The primary goal of nursing service is
to provide planned, comprehensive, therapeutic, safe and consistent nursing
care 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Psychiatric nursing is a specialized area of
professional nursing practice, which employs theories of human behavior and
interpersonal relationships. One of the primary activities of nursing staff
is the establishment of a trusting, therapeutic relationship with individual
patients accomplished through daily, consistent contact.
Psychiatric Services
Each program is directed by a board certified
or board eligible psychiatrist or addictionologist who is responsible for the
planning, supervision, and implementation of clinical services for patients.
This physician is responsible for the quality of the total treatment delivered
to patients of the program. The director works with other qualified physicians
or addictionologists who directly treat, supervise, participate in management
and/or staffing conferences, and work in conjunction with the multidisciplinary
team responsible for the patient’s care.
The service director renders clinical supervision
for the program and clinical staff, who are providing direct psychiatric services
to patients. Each attending psychiatrist or addictionologist attends treatment
planning meetings to develop and update treatment plans of his patients and
is also responsible for the total medical management of the patient.
Psychological Services
Psychologists may function as members of the
multidisciplinary clinical team. They are licensed by the state and credentialed
through the medical staff privileging process as independent practitioners.
Psychologists contribute to the diagnostic, therapeutic and aftercare efforts
of patients and may be credentialed to perform the following functions:
- Individual or family therapy
- Psychological testing
Psychological testing is performed upon written
order of the attending physician. Testing must be initiated within two working
days and dictated in an acceptable format within four days of the physician’s
order.
Social Services
Social workers assume a responsible role in the
delivery of clinical services as described elsewhere in this plan.
The detection of abnormalities of speech, language
and hearing are part of the assessment by the consulting physician and attending
physician. Comprehensive assessment and necessary treatment for any abnormality
by a qualified clinician will be arranged upon written physician order.
Pharmacy Services
Pharmaceutical services are provided by a licensed
pharmacist through an agreement with a pharmacological company. The licensed
pharmacist performs the dispensing of medication. Alliance Health Center
stocks only schedule 1 drugs. Any out-of-formulary medication not stocked within
the pharmacy is obtained from the pharmacy services according to individual
patient need.
Pastoral Services
If requested by the patient, pastoral services
will be provided by the facility through contact with local ministers.
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