Unit 4 Response # 2
Withdrawal of Care June 22, 2017
Executive Summary
Objective
The objective of this review is to look at how the Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System handles cases involving withdrawal of care, specifically looking at
policies and procedures that the Durham VA has in in place to ensure compliance with laws and regulations from federal and state to local laws. Assess the procedure
for the withdrawal of care and ensure the compliance of all organizational stakeholders to include on-going education and compliance with organizational policies.
Target Audience
The target audience for this review is the Executive Leadership Team, Medical and Surgical Leadership Team, Providers and Nursing stakeholders and the Health
Information Management Team.
Area of Concern/Risk
The organization has been assisting patients and their families with end-of-life issues such as withdrawal of care for a few years now, and this has helped patients
and families to have an open and honest conversation with health care providers in order to fulfill the wishes of the patient and family while maintaining the dignity
and wishes of the patient. As laws and regulations change, the organization must be up-to-date in order to protect all stakeholders as well as the organization as a
whole and have regular educational updates so that staff is aware of changes and can assist patients and their families to make the best decision possible.
Risk/Opportunity
Currently, the organization speaks with all patients admitted to the hospitals about living wills and DNRs to assess if the patient has one and to obtain a copy of it,
or to consult social work to discuss these issues with the patients if they do not have one and so desire to have one. The concern is the if the information the staff
has regarding these issues is up to date and follows all laws and regulations
Conclusions
The organization has a responsibility to the patients and the community they serve to stay abreast of changes to laws and regulations in order to fulfill the duty of
providing quality care that is respectful of the patient’s wishes, and incorporates the values of the patient and family. The organization must provide the most up-
to-date information possible in order to provide the patient and family with all the information they need to make informed decisions through continuous education for
all stakeholders.
