observation patient denials

[Guest guest]

How are those in acute care dealing with observation patients and orders for

PT/OT?

We are getting an influx of patients admitted with dehydration, hyponatremia,

failure to thrive, confusion etc and PT is being ordered almost on admission

rather than rehydrating, normalizing electrolytes etc and seeing if the patients

returns to their baseline function.

We have been struggling trying to educate the docs and nurses that it is not

solely PT that can get patients out of bed and walking. Has anyone found an

effective strategy for dealing with this? Has anyone developed an algorithm that

would help guide MDs in their orders? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Eileen Casey, PT

Director Rehabilitation Services

Brattleboro Memorial Hospital

17 Belmont Ave

Brattleboro, VT 05301

(P)

(F)

ecasey@...

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