POLICY STATEMENT

This policy establishes visitation guidelines to promote the physical, emotional and psychological well-being, privacy and safety of our patients. At Metro South Health we recognise the importance of family in providing comfort, healing and recovery to patients.Metro South Health is committed to patient and family centred care principles that are grounded in mutually beneficial partnerships among patients, families, carers and staff. Metro South Health welcomes families and visitors to facilitate a healing environment for patients.

This policy supports patient centred care, patient and family engagement, and is an essential component of Planetree designation.

This policy applies to all staff in Metro South Health.

OUTCOME

  • The MSH Patient Directed Visiting Policy allows for patient visitation which isflexible in meeting the diverse and individual needs of patients and their families.
  • Families are welcome 24 hours a day according to patient preference, balanced with patient and staff safety
  • Visitation is valued as an important adjunct to patient care and comfort, and family members and carers are seen as a valued part of the care team – integral to patient healing.
  • Visitation policy has respect for religious and spiritual needs of patients, families and carers.
  • Consistent practices for patient directed visitation at all Metro South Health sites
  • Family members, carers and patients are encouraged to collaborate with the care team and are respected as essential members of the patients’ health care team in sharing information and providing support and comfort during the hospital stay enhancing the healing experience. They enhance quality and safety and provide pertinent information essential to the care plan.
  • Evidenced based visitation policies which improve patient safety and enhance patient and family satisfaction.

PRINCIPLES

  • Cultivating a health care environment that welcomes loved ones and recognizes that family involvement enhances health care delivery is fundamental to patient-centered care. Research has found that flexible policies around visiting minimize anxiety and maximize comfort for patients and families.
  • A patient with decision making capacity has the right to designate visitors of their choosing, regardless of the relationship of the visitor and patient.Visitation will not be restricted, limited or otherwise denied to patients on the basis of race, colour, culture, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or disability.
  • Visitation will only be restricted when it has been determined to be clinically necessary or if the facility reasonably determines the presence of a visitor would endanger the health or safety, or infringes on the rights of the patient or others.In certain clinical circumstances it may be necessary to ask visitors to leave the patient area for a brief period of time. Should this occur staff will maintain contact with the family and return them to the bedside as soon as possible.
  • In respect for patient privacy and well-being, and as a courtesy the number of visitors in a shared room may need to be limited. In the interest of the patients recovery the nurse will make an assessment and recommendations on the number of visitors in the room with regards to the needs of all parties.
  • Visitors (including family and carers) will be oriented to the routines of the unit. Visitors will be expected to check with the treating staff in regards to special dietary needs prior to supplying food to the patient.
  • Adequate rest and quiet are essential to the recovery process for patients, and families are encouraged to visit as desired by the patient. A unit may choose to observe ‘Quiet Time’ on behalf of their patients to encourage healing. ‘Quiet Time’ is defined as a time in which to minimise noise and activities in the unit. During these hours visitors will be limited to those defined by the patient as essential.

Special Considerations

Infection Control

Any visitor demonstrating signs or symptoms of an upper respiratory illness or other communicable disease will be restricted from visitation unless the primary care provider feels that such a visit is paramount to the health and welfare of the patient. All visitors are expected to adhere to proper infection control precautions and hand washing.

Children

Young children must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult other than the patient.

Disruptive Visitors

In the event that a visitor, carer or family member becomes disruptive or abusive or infringes on the rights of others or engages in unsafe conduct, the clinical staff may request the visitor leaves the premises. Security or police assistance may be requested by the clinical staff if required.

Patient restricted areas

There are some areas of the hospital which restrict family and visitor access due to clinical needs and safety (eg. Operating theatres).

Patients may request to have no visitors. A sign should be displayed at the entrance to the patient room asking all visitors to check in at the nurses’ station prior to entry. The patient chart/iEMR should be updated accordingly, the request noted at bedside handover, and the request should be reassessed regularly.

LEGISLATION OR OTHER AUTHORITY

Planetree Designation Criteria

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS

MSH Care Partner policy (in development)

DEFINITIONS

Term / Definition
Family / Family is determined by each individual patient or healthcare decision maker. A patient may designate an individual who they are not legally related to as a family member. Family members provide physical, psychological or emotional support to the patient.
Patient Directed Visiting / Patient-directed visiting allows patients to have family support 24 hours a day. The patient in collaboration with their care team establishes visiting parameters that best suit their individual circumstances.
Care Partner / A care partner is a participant in the patients’ non-clinical care, education, decision making, and discharge planning.
Visitor / Visitors are defined as any individual who does not play a significant role in the ongoing care of the patient
Child / Visiting children are an important part of the family. It is acknowledged that children reach maturity at different ages therefore small children will need to be supervised but independent children should be welcome to visit.