Rapid Response Team
An advocacy situation I get calls on often goes like this: a family member is in the hospital and rapidly deteriorating. Usually, the person was admitted for one problem and ends up in serious condition because of either inadequate medical or nursing care. The person I speak with is usually so upset because they are witnessing the slow death of a loved one. This week I have had two calls asking me to step in and facilitate action. It is one of my most rewarding challenges if I am called early enough in the process. Unfortunately, it takes the family some time to realize the situation is heading the wrong way and it can be too late.
Today, I was working with a family to come on board as the advocate and the patient died. Another heart breaking moment for a death caused by being in the hospital. That is why I was so happy when Massachusetts passed a law that mandates hospitals set up rapid response teams. Many hospitals throughout the country have teams but are only activated by other health professionals. This is a law for the consumer. A rapid response is a team called when a family believes their loved one is not receiving the necessary care for improvement. The team has to come "rapidly", within a few hours. The designated team is available around the clock and is composed of healthcare professionals. (doctors,nurses, social workers). There must be a plan implemented to reverse the existing situation. The law was enacted in January and there no rapid response teams available yet. The party line is "it takes time". However, in the interim, the law exists and if asked for action by a family member , the hospital must respond quickly. This law is the first one in the country. The people responsible for this law are the Healthcare for All /Massachusetts. http://blog.hcfama.org/?p=2968
Massachusetts may have a label of being too liberal but BRAVO to this law. Finally a law designed to ensure hospitals respond to the consumer's cries for help.
Posted by HealthCare Whisperer at 8/5/2009 6:10 PM 
Categories: massachusetts, new law, rapid response team, advocacy
Tags: law rapid response team advocacy
Categories: massachusetts, new law, rapid response team, advocacy
Tags: law rapid response team advocacy
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