DOCTORS
ORDERS
Here is a one for thought: A doctor
has a patient in Facility X. Part of the treatment plan prescribed for this patient includes therapy animal visits,
but there is a problem..... the facility does not allow animals of any kind!
Does
the doctor's orders supercede that of the facility?
Actually, no. For
some facilities, some treatment plans from a physician may not always be workable. It may be because of resources (most
often the case), or there is a conflict with policy.
There are two possible
resolutions. One is the patient is moved to a different facility. The other is the care provider 'facilitates'
the request by the physician.
It is in the best interest of the facility to
provide for the patient as requested in the care plan, as future referrals may be depend on that.
But what about us as AAT providers who are caught in the middle?
It's their facility, not ours! We start by using an approach where we do not appear
to be forcing our way in. If a facility is making exceptions to their rules by letting a team in, we have an opportunity
to make it a good or a bad experience for them. No doubt you know what is right, so be the best you can be. Teams
of DOGTORS are educated to handle the positive aspects of AAT.
Stick
to the job assigned. Unless the facility asks if you can visit other clients, you concentrate on the 'prescribed'
client. It is likely that you may be asked by the staff to visit them or other clients, and you will probably have
clients along your route that want to visit. In either case, never turn down an opportunity to make a good impression
with your partner.
These things can definitely have a good effect
with facility, and we use our best tool to help us....our partner!
So remember,
just because it's what a doctor wants for their patients, there is no guarantee that can happen.
