StraightTalk

StraightTalk is an employee feedback process for asking questions of key administrators and receiving a timely response. StraightTalk is open to ALL employees.

If you have a question, just call 575-8900. You will receive a code number if you want to be anonymous, or you may give your name and phone number along with your question, on the phone, on Meditech to "StraightTalk" or in the mail to "Human Resources, Attn: StraightTalk." The key leader who has responsibility for your area of interest will provide an answer within three weeks.

This past summer, Methodist Healthcare launched StraightTalk system-wide.

We appreciate those of you who have used this valuable communication tool. Some questions received so far affect only the person who made the call. Others relate to many of us. A sampling of these questions, and their answers, follows:

Q: When entering a result for a patient, I saw that the diagnosis was unusually explicit: pneumonia, anemia, mentally retarded, cerebral palsy. Is this appropriate under patient privacy considerations?

A: Thank you for your concern for the protection of our patient's privacy.

A diagnosis entered in a patient's medical record is not an invasion of privacy, no matter how detailed. Our patients' privacy and confidentiality are protected through compliance with our policies (based on state and federal law) which protect the confidentiality of a patient's medical information. Our Code of Conduct summarizes these policies in the section titled "Patient Information," page 7. It states:

We collect information about the patient's medical condition, history, medication and family illnesses to provide the best possible care. We realize the sensitive nature of this information and are committed to maintaining its confidentiality. We do not release or discuss patient-specific information with others unless it is necessary to serve the patient or as required by law.

MHS colleagues must never disclose confidential information that violates the privacy rights of our patients. No MHS colleague, affiliated physician or other health care partner has a right to any patient information other than that necessary to perform his or her job.

Patients can expect that their privacy will be protected and that patient-specific information will be released only to persons authorized by law or by the patient's written consent. In an emergency situation, when requested by an institution or physician then treating the patient, the patient's consent is not required, but the name of the institution and the person requesting the information must be verified. This should be done
as a call back process.

Again, thank you for your concern about the protection of our patients' privacy. Should you have further questions about it, or any other issue, feel free to contact your facility Ethics and Compliance Officer (Tracy Snyder for the "hill," John Wisniewski for the "corridor" facilities and Elaine Morris for the ambulatory surgery centers). You may also contact the Ethics and Compliance Officer for Methodist Healthcare System, Karen Zemis.

Q: I recently returned from maternity leave and would like to be able to use a designated room for using a breast pump during my breaks.

A: The lactation consultants at Methodist Women's Center, 575-0261, together with the Mother/Baby Care Unit have developed a Moms Room specifically for breastfeeding employees at Methodist Hospital and Methodist Children's Hospital -- Rm. 220. Madela and Ameda Egnell
pumps are available for employee use, but individuals need to bring a personal attachment kit and storage supplies.

Although these resources are in the Medical Center, the same standard is held throughout the system. The Methodist Women's Center offers support to individuals working to maintain a work-life balance. If the nurse's lounge does not meet your needs, please contact your manager, administrator and/or your HR consultant to discuss your options. To talk with a lactation consultant, page 747-0198 or 752-2882.

Q: Would it be possible to complete the sidewalks from "F" lot to Methodist Hospital for walking/jogging, along with a safe crosswalk?

A: The city will not allow a crosswalk. We have tried before. We would have to address putting a sidewalk at Methodist Healthcare System office, but it really is not needed considering the sidewalk runs all the way down the opposite side of the street.

Q: I obtained a patient roller to assist in transferring patients; it prevents back strain in caregivers. Other units have requested similar equipment. I suggest this item be furnished to the Northeast Methodist Hospital ICU, Telemetry and Radiology units to prevent back strains:
Company: AOA/Chick
Model #: 9130-30
Product: Little Chick Roller

A: Materials Management will order this equipment from now on, based on this input.

Q: I have heard that Information Services (I.S.) has the ability to pull up anyone's ID and password on the e-mail network. Can I.S. staff look at my e-mail, files etc, any time they want?

A: E-mail and cabinets are private; however, certain users under special circumstances can read them -- circumstances involving specific human resources issues or legal issues. This is not done just because we know user passwords.

There is a "emulate user" routine which Information Services staff primarily use to view the menus of users who report issues to us for repair. This routine can be used to view mail or cabinets in cases of legal or human resources inquiries or to help troubleshoot Magic Office (MOX) issues (with the user consent). Use of this routine creates an audit trail that lists the name of the person who did the emulation, who was emulated, date, time, time opened and routine emulated (MOX, Order Entry, Patient Care Inquiry, etc. This is reviewed regularly. Information Services also has cabinets where we log when we emulate users to access MOX, along with the reason why this procedure was followed.