Someone by your side
The Care Partner program was born out
of a recent patient- and family-centered
care focus group. It all began with
feedback from a family member who
was involved in the care of their ill child.
From its inception, the Care Partner
workgroup has worked to implement this
evidence-based program.
What is the purpose of the Care
Partner program?
The Care Partner
program is a patient-centered approach
to involving a family member or close
friend as a member of the health care
team, thus enhancing the patient’s
hospital experience and preparation for
discharge.
How does it work?
Upon admis-
sion into the hospital, the admitting
nurse confirms if the patient would
like to establish a care partner. The
care partner’s name and contact
information are obtained and then
entered into the patient’s chart. The
Care Partner program is optional. A
patient may choose not to appoint a
care partner.
What responsibilities does a care
partner have?
A care partner is a
family member or close friend selected
by the patient to participate in care
coordinated with the nursing staff. The
care partner must be of legal consent-
ing age. The Care Partner program
differs from the power of attorney
(POA) in that the care partner cannot
make legal decisions regarding patient
care as someone with a POA may.
Areas for care partner involvement
include communication with the health
care team, patient and family educa-
tion, physical assistance, emotional
support, and spiritual needs. The care
partner experience is individualized and
may change as the patient progresses
through hospitalization. Each shift, the
staff assigned to the patient should
introduce themselves to the patient
and the care partner and maintain an
open environment for communication
and participation.
Each person who is hospitalized or who has the
potential to be hospitalized—any one of us—should
designate a care partner. This care partner may be
a family member, a loved one or a close friend.
Health care team members understand that although an
individual may not be a blood relative, he or she may still be
considered your family. If you are the designated care partner,
understand that health care organizations consider you a member
of the health care team. As a care partner and health care team
member, you have a right to participate in this role in a way that
is comfortable for you and the patient. Your participation may
occur through your presence or by collaboration in care or in
decision making.
The Institute for Patient- and Family-Centered Care (IPFCC)
makes it clear how you can participate in the care of your family
member or friend through the acronym
TOGETHER
.
T:
Talk
about your role in the life of your loved one.
Be sure
to introduce yourself by name to the health care team members.
Explain your relationship to the patient and tell the team what
ways you would like to share in his or her care.
O: Be
observant
of any physical, behavioral or emotional
changes in your loved one, and be sure to report these changes
to his or her health care providers.
Ask the designated nurse
or physician what specific observations they would like you to
share with them. For example, the health care team may want
to ask you if your loved one seems more confused or has signs
of a reaction to a medication.
G:
Gather
information about your family.
Your loved one’s con-
dition may prevent him or her from remembering or accurately
sharing certain imperative information. As a partner in care, you
may have to bring to the hospital the patient’s medications or a
list of them, his or her medical history, the names of health care
providers he or she sees, and insurance information.
E:
Ensure
your presence if at all possible.
You need to be
available when information is shared from health care providers
and when decisions need to be made. Attempt to keep a practi-
cal schedule for coming to the hospital. The nurse and unit staff
should know how to best reach you. Likewise, you also need to
know whom you should contact when you are not at the bedside.
T:
Tell
staff what concerns you may have about your loved
one’s state.
You especially must speak up when you just have
BETTER
TOGETHER
All of us
, for each of you, every time.
Together
, inspiring healthy communities.
S
the
amaritan
S U M M E R 2 0 1 5
Nonprofit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Moses Lake, WA
Permit No. 61
Samaritan Healthcare
Foundation
801 E. Wheeler Road
Moses Lake, WA
98837
—Continued on page 4
By Tamara Jessica Brown, MSN, RN-BC, PCCN, CNE