Citation

Salamon L, Lennon M. Medsurg. Nurs. 2003; 12(4): 230-236; quiz 237.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003, Wolters Kluwer)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

14515602

Abstract

The use of companions to monitor and care for patients at risk for adverse events is a long-standing practice with patients who require constant observation such as with suicide precautions. While offering a potential benefit of increased safety, the use of companions in subacute care is inefficient and poses an enormous financial strain on the health care system. Development of a protocol for assessing at-risk patients, and collaboration between care-givers through a performance improvement initiative, made it possible to reduce companion expenditure without negatively affecting patient outcomes.

Language: en

Keywords

Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Friends; Humans; Middle Aged; Nursing Care; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Safety