Competencies
- Evaluate public health policies and practices as they relate to legal and ethical implications for individuals and populations.
- Analyze health needs, disparities, and healthcare delivery systems within the context of cultural, social, legal, political, and economic forces.
- Examine the structure of the U.S. legal system and government as it relates to ethics, law, and core principles of public health.
- Assess current legal and ethical principles and the application of such principles in healthcare practice.
- Analyze ethical and legal dilemmas that healthcare workers may encounter in the medical field.
- Examine legal requirements for managing patient information, health information documentation, the release of information, and electronic health records.
Scenario
You have recently been promoted to Health Services Manager at Three Mountains Regional Hospital, a small hospital located in a mid-size city in the Midwest. Three Mountains is a general medical and surgical facility with 400 beds. Last year there were approximately 62,000 emergency visits and 15,000 admissions. More than 6,000 outpatient and 10,000 inpatient surgeries were performed.
You have been asked by the CEO to create an intake packet for new patients that will help establish patient trust. Once you’ve created this packet, the CEO wants you to send an email to all hospital employees letting them know about the intake packet. You will also create a PowerPoint reviewing intake packet details for the hospital to post on its website to inform patients
Instructions
This is a great opportunity to tie everything together that you have learned! Let’s break this up into 3 parts. Deep breath – it’s easier than it seems!
Part 1: Intake Packet
- Create a New Patient Letter in a business letter format. (Here is a library resource for help writing a business letter.)
- In the letter:
- Explain the importance of ethics
- Explain why each part of the packet is included and how the packet is to be used
- Include a HIPAA/Confidentiality statement and a Privacy Pledge
- Add a line at the bottom of the form for the patient to sign acknowledging receipt
- On a separate page, include your reference list in APA format.
Part 2: PowerPoint
- Create a 10-slide PowerPoint presentation that explains the various elements of the new patient intake packet. (Here is a library resource for help creating a PowerPoint presentation.) Make sure to use the notes section below each slide to expand on the key points.
Part 3: Email
- Write an email in a Word document that will be sent out to all hospital employees making them aware of the intake packet. (Make sure your email uses proper email formatting. (Here is a library resource for help writing a professional email.)
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
As a medical professor, it is essential to ensure that medical college students are equipped with knowledge and skills necessary for their future careers. This entails designing and conducting lectures, evaluating student performance, and providing feedback through examinations and assignments. In this assignment, we will evaluate different competencies related to public health policies, legal and ethical implications for individuals and populations, and healthcare delivery systems within the context of cultural, social, legal, political, and economic forces. We will use a scenario to create an intake packet for new patients that will establish patient trust and provide essential information about the hospital’s operations.
1. How would you explain the importance of ethics in the new patient letter?
In the new patient letter, it is essential to highlight the importance of ethics in healthcare. Ethics in healthcare involves making decisions that are morally right and justifiable for the benefit of patients. Ethics helps build trust between healthcare providers and patients and ensures that patients receive quality care with dignity and respect. By emphasizing the importance of ethics in the new patient letter, patients are assured that healthcare providers will prioritize their well-being and adhere to ethical standards in all aspects of their care.
2. Why is it essential to include a HIPAA/Confidentiality statement and a Privacy Pledge in the new patient letter?
Including a HIPAA/Confidentiality statement and a Privacy Pledge is important in the new patient letter because it informs patients of their rights and protections regarding the privacy of their health information. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 require healthcare providers to protect patients’ health information from unauthorized access, use, and disclosure. The confidentiality statement assures patients that their health information will be kept confidential and only accessible to authorized personnel. The Privacy Pledge outlines the hospital’s commitment to protecting patients’ privacy and provides information on how the hospital uses and discloses their health information.
3. What should be included in the 10-slide PowerPoint presentation about the various elements of the new patient intake packet?
The 10-slide PowerPoint presentation about the various elements of the new patient intake packet should include:
– Introduction and overview of the new patient intake packet
– Explanation of the importance of the packet and how it is used
– Overview of the contents of the packet, including a list of documents included
– Explanation of the HIPAA/Confidentiality statement and Privacy Pledge
– Explanation of the patient’s right to access and obtain a copy of their health information
– Overview of the hospital’s billing and payment policies
– Explanation of the hospital’s communication policies, including interpreter services
– Explanation of the patient’s right to file a complaint or grievance
– Instructions on how to complete and sign the forms included in the packet
– Conclusion and summary of the key points covered in the presentation.
4. How would you write a professional email to inform all hospital employees about the new patient intake packet?
When writing a professional email to inform all hospital employees about the new patient intake packet, it is important to use proper email formatting. The email should have a clear subject line, a salutation, a concise message, and a closing. The message should include an introduction to the new patient intake packet, an explanation of its contents, and the importance of ensuring all new patients receive the packet. Additionally, the email should provide instructions on how to access the packet and answer any questions employees may have. It is also important to thank employees for their cooperation and emphasize the hospital’s commitment to providing quality care to its patients.
