18th Annual Student Research Conference
Human Potential and Performance
Case Study for Hospital Based Ombudsmen
Maureen M. Bylina* and Emily M. Krogmann
Dr. Carol Cox, Faculty Mentor
The ombudsman program in Missouri consists of volunteers serving residents of nursing homes, long term care facilities and hospitals. The goal of the ombudsman is to be a patient advocate, providing support and assistance with any problems and complaints the patient might have. The program reinforces resident/patient rights, allowing the ombudsman be an intermediary between patients and personnel. Ombudsmen strive to diminish any feelings of isolation or helplessness the patient may experience by reiterating the importance of their rights and comfort level. Hospitals benefit from the ombudsman program because it is a way to ensure a system of checks and balances. The ombudsmen help provide an all-encompassing approach to quality health care, and can offer much-needed feedback on patient satisfaction. However, most hospitals are not aware of this opportunity and/or do not know how to implement a program in their respective facilities. Thus, a hospital based ombudsmen model was created.
Keywords: Hospital, Ombudsman, Ombudsmen, Missouri, Rights, Resident, Advocate, Patient
Topic(s):Health Science
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 29-35
Location: OP Lobby & Atrium
Time: 1:15