Follow-up Visit Protocol

PROTOCOL FOR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY FOLLOW-UP  VISIT (To previous in-patients following hospital discharge)

1. The Occupational Therapist will use their clinical judgement to make the decision that a follow-up visit is required
2. Patients who require a follow-up visit will first have been assessed in hospital by the Occupational Therapy staff to ensure that a follow up visit can be safely and appropriately undertaken without placing the patient or staff at undue risk.
3. Verbal permission will be sought from patient prior to carrying out a follow-up visit.
4. Once a decision to undertake a follow-up visit has been made the visit will, except under extenuating circumstances, take place within 10 working days.
5. Visits will usually be done by one member of staff unless it is desirable to have two for safety reasons.
6. The Occupational Therapist will be responsible for arranging a time which is suitable for all interested parties.
7. Mobile phones will be carried on all follow-up visits, being switched on when leaving the hospital and off when returning.
8. Contact details including mobile phone number will be left in the department for emergency use, along with expected time of return.  Buddy system protocol to be used.
9. Verbal permission will be obtained from the patient before any furniture, rugs etc. are moved or removed.
10. Wrritten permission will be obtained from the patient before adaptations are requested for their use
11. Verbal permission will be obtained from the patient before issuing/ ordering equipment.
12. In the case of privately rented accommodation, written permission is required from the landlord of the property, prior to fitting adaptations.
13. If a building is felt to be unsafe (either for structural or hygiene reasons) then the visit wil be abandoned.
14. On completion of the visit the Occupational Therapist will write a summary in the appropriate notes.   A report will be sent to the Consultant and other agencies, as appropriate, within two working days.