Health Care Observer Program Patient Privacy and Safety Education

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Health Care Observer Program

Patient Privacy and Safety

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Program

Overview

The health care observer program at The

Nebraska

Medical

Center,

UNMC

Physicians, the University of Nebraska

Medical Center (UNMC), and Bellevue

Medical Center is designed to promote and

educate on the health

‐

care professions

while safeguarding patient privacy.

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Program

Overview



The following slides will cover the

health care observer dress code

along

with

safety and patient privacy policies

as they apply to health care observing



You must follow the health care

observing rules to ensure a safe visit

and respect patients’ rights

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Dress

Code

Wear

clean

and

professional

clothing

 Example: khaki pants , a polo‐type shirt

Wear

closed

‐

toe

shoes

Wear

the

name

badge

provided

to

you

DO

NOT

wear

inappropriate

clothing

 Examples: denim, baggy pants, short skirts,

midriffs, low‐ cut tops, open‐toe shoes

 Scrubs, lab coats (unless provided by

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Safety



Hospital

staff

have

been

trained

for

many

safety

situations



Remain

with

the

staff

member

that

you

have

been

assigned

to

observe



In

case

of

fire,

weather

or

medical

emergency,

follow

your

sponsor’s

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Safety

 If you have a latex or other significant allergy or

medical condition, please advise your sponsor

 If you are feeling sick, have a contagious disease, or

are coughing or sneezing, reschedule your observer

experience

 You are not permitted to observe if you are sick

 Report any injuries or illness that occur during your

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Safety

In

a

clinical

setting,

avoid

the

spread

of

germs

 Cover mouth and nose with tissue when

coughing or sneezing

 Dispose of tissue in waste basket

 If tissue is not available, use upper sleeve, not

hands

Clean

hands

after

coughing

or

sneezing

 Wash hands with warm water and soap

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 The Nebraska Medical Center, Bellevue Medical Center, UNMC Physicians and UNMC are

legally required by the Health Insurance

Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to protect the privacy and security of the health information of every patient treated at our

facilities

 HIPAA applies to Observer Program participants as well

HIPAA

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During the job shadowing experience you may encounter patients or patient information

 Do not disclose any patient-related information to anyone under any circumstances – even if no patient names are used, the

information is confidential

 Do not discuss any care events with friends, family members or others

 Do not post any information about job shadowing on Facebook or other social networks

 Do not take any photographs while observing

You will sign a confidentiality agreement in order to participate in the observer experience

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 Access to patient medical and billing

information is a privilege given to individuals who have a work-related need for that

information

 Participants in the Observer Program will not have direct access to computer systems and should not attempt to access any patient’s medical information

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When participating in the Observer Program you may see:

 A girl you went to school with in the maternity area with her newborn baby

 A teacher or former teacher in a hospital gown

 A friend from church is in the hospital and you think the pastor should know to visit him/her

 A public figure receiving treatment

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Do not discuss patients you may see at

the hospital for any reason – even with

your own family members

 Often times, patients like to keep their

medical conditions private and do not want anyone to know they are receiving care

 Patients have the right to privacy

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If you see someone you know

 DO greet them by saying hello

 DO continue on with your job shadowing experience

 DO NOT ignore them

 DO NOT ask them why they are in the

hospital

 DO NOT tell other people you saw them

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Further considerations

How would you feel if your doctor discussed your health with people you know?

 Fortunately your healthcare providers are legally required to protect your health

information

 All members of the workforce are trained to protect patient privacy, including clinical,

maintenance, billing and food services staff

 Treat others the way you would want to be treated

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It may be difficult to decide what you can tell others who ask about your observing

experience. You may:

 Share general information about the departments you visit

 Tell about the staff you met

 Describe the types of procedures and healthcare provided

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Dress Code Review

When considering the appropriate attire

for your observer experience



Wear clothing that is clean and

professional such as khaki pants , a

polo-type shirt and closed-toe shoes

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Safety

Review



If you are feeling ill the day of your job

shadowing experience stay home and

reschedule your observer experience



Follow your sponsor’s instructions

during any fire, weather or other

medical emergency

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After your observer experience you may:



Discuss the unit and department you

visited



Talk to friends, family and teachers

about whether you will pursue a

career in healthcare



Maintain confidentiality and do not

tell anyone about specific patients.