the color of safety. what is the problem? several states, as well as new york, have documented the...
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The Color of Safety
What is the Problem?
Several states, as well as New York, have documented the lack of uniformity that exists among organizations in the use of colors to signify important patient directives and medical conditions. While the intent of these color schemes and tools are intended to keep patients safe they can, unfortunately, have unintended consequences if caregivers are not clear or are confused about their meaning.
The Color of Safety initiative is intended to enhance The Color of Safety initiative is intended to enhance patient safety by standardizing the color-coding patient safety by standardizing the color-coding of specific alert conditions.of specific alert conditions.
What is Kaleida doing to improve patient safety?
Adopting standardized color alert stickers to be used in conjunction with the patient PLUE identification band.
Educating patients, families, clinical and non-clinical staff, on the purpose of the color alerts.
How will Kaleida accomplish these goals?
Standardize the meaning of colors Use brief, pre-printed text on the stickers.
Educate patient/families re: stickers/alerts. Remove community “charity” bands (Ex.
Yellow “Live Strong” bands) Educate hospital staff on risks of wristband
usage/authority/responsibility/maintenance
What will the Kaleida alert stickers look like?
Latex Allergy Green
Fall Risk
Yellow
Fall Risk
Yellow
Fall Risk
YellowDNR
PurpleDNR
PurpleDNR
PurpleIsolation
Black Allergy
Red Allergy
Red Allergy
Red Allergy
Red Allergy
Red Allergy
Red
Latex Allergy Green
Fall Risk
Yellow
Fall Risk
Yellow
Fall Risk
YellowDNR
PurpleDNR
PurpleDNR
PurpleIsolation
Black Allergy
Red Allergy
Red Allergy
Red Allergy
Red Allergy
Red Allergy
Red
Latex Allergy Green
Fall Risk
Yellow
Fall Risk
Yellow
Fall Risk
YellowDNR
PurpleDNR
PurpleDNR
Purple
Isolation Black Allergy
Red Allergy
Red Allergy
Red Allergy
Red Allergy
Red Allergy
Red
Latex Allergy Green
Fall Risk
Yellow
Fall Risk
Yellow
Fall Risk
YellowDNR
PurpleDNR
PurpleDNR
PurpleIsolation
Black Allergy
Red Allergy
Red Allergy
Red Allergy
Red Allergy
Red Allergy
Red
Latex Allergy Green
Fall Risk
Yellow
Fall Risk
Yellow
Fall Risk
YellowDNR
PurpleDNR
PurpleDNR
PurpleIsolation
Black Allergy
Red Allergy
Red Allergy
Red Allergy
Red Allergy
Red Allergy
Red
Latex Allergy Green
Fall Risk
Yellow
Fall Risk
Yellow
Fall Risk
YellowDNR
PurpleDNR
PurpleDNR
PurpleIsolation
Black Allergy
Red Allergy
Red Allergy
Red Allergy
Red Allergy
Red Allergy
Red
Latex Allergy Green
Fall Risk
Yellow
Fall Risk
Yellow
Fall Risk
YellowDNR
PurpleDNR
PurpleDNR
PurpleIsolation
Black Allergy
Red Allergy
Red Allergy
Red Allergy
Red Allergy
Red Allergy
Red
What is the Kaleida Standardized Color Code and
the Intent of Specific Colors?Color Alert
Sticker Communicates (“Reminder”) -applied to PLUE ID band
Red Allergy (Stop!)
Yellow Fall Risk (Use Caution)
Green Latex Allergy (Environment)
Purple DNR (Cyanosis)
Pink Restricted Extremity (Breast Ca/lymphedema)-this is a separate ID band to be placed on the
appropriate extremity
Black Isolation Precautions
Example of Patient ID Band with Color Stickers
Red=allergy Yellow=fall risk Purple=DNR
status
Example of Restricted Extremity ID
Where can I find the color alert stickers?
The color alert stickers will be available in every patient care area.
Where can I find more information about color alert?
Kaleida policyTitle: Standardized Color Alert Stickers/ID bands Policy #PT. 17
Your Manager, or By calling 859-8740.
Where can I find more information?
Informational Websites
1. New York State Department of Health website http://www.health.state.ny.us/
2. Greater New York Hospital Association (GNYHA) website www.gnyha.org
3. Continuing Care Leadership Coalition (CCLC) website:www.cclcny.org
Who keeps checking the color alerts, especially if patients travel about?
Patient care staff will re-confirm the color alert stickers periodically and minimally at: Any transfer of care Before any invasive procedure
Errors and/or omissions are corrected immediately.
How do you educate the patient?
When admitted, the pt./family is:1. Educated regarding the color
alert sticker and importance.2. Advised to contact the nurse if
the color alert sticker falls off or is removed and not reapplied immediately.
What about the use of Community “Charity” Bands?
If the patient is wearing a “charity” band such a a pink Breast Cancer or yellow “Live Strong” band:
The nurse will explain the risks associated with the band and he/she will be asked to remove the band.
If the patient refuses, the nurse will cover the band with medical tape and document the patients refusal.
When can the color alert stickers be removed?
Color alert stickers are not removed at discharge:
For home discharges, the patient is advised to remove the band when he/she is off hospital property.
For discharges or transfer to another facility, the bands are left intact as a safety alert for staff at the next hospital.
Can alert intentions be carried from one place to another?
DNR status and all other risk assessments are determined by Kaleida policy, procedure and/or physician
order Order is written within and acknowledged
within that care setting only. The receiving hospital is responsible for
re-assessment and subsequent band removal, reconfirmation and application
PATIENT SAFETY
As always patient SAFETY is our biggest concern.
We are working together to provide the best care possible