Case Study for Managing Health Services Organizations:

Mr. Smith, a 24 year-old single man, presented to the Emergency Department after a fight. As part of the assessment plan, the ED evaluation included radiology studies of the head and skull. His tests were negative and he was discharged from the ED.

Three weeks after his ED visit, he called and stated that during his visit he lost diamond earrings worth approximately $2,000. He stated that the earrings were taken from him by the technician just before the X-ray test. 

INVESTIGATION:

1. There is a statement that the hospital is not responsible for lost items. This is within many statements in the permission to treat form. The patient signed the permission to treat form. 

2. In Radiology, if a patient had earrings in and were asked to remove them for the test, the earrings (and other small valuables), were put into a paper cup. The paper cup was folded-over on top. Once the testing was done, the cup with the valuables was given back to the patient.

3. In the ED a valuables list is not done. There was no documentation that the patient had earrings in when he had the test.

4. In discussion with the patient, he had no proof of purchase. The earrings were a gift from his cousin and he didn't have the receipt.

You are responsible to make the decision. Please explain:

1. Your decision;
2. Why the decision was made;
3. Explain your decision to Mr. Jones;
4. What organizational changes do you recommend?