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Viewers are aware that one of my favored statements is, THE LARGEST ROOM in the world is the room for improvement. In almost every situation in which we are engaged, our methods and efforts can be improved. In keeping with that theme, a couple of days ago, I received an evaluation concerning my role as a hospital Chaplain. The evaluation includes several items for my improvement. The first word you will see is Piedmont. In the Atlanta area, the Piedmont Healthcare System is one of the largest. At present, there are eight Piedmont hospitals surrounding the city and metro area:

I can't help but wonder why you wouldn't/don't have detailed medical history of patients.I have two sources regarding patient medical history:1. Medical history is part of the information included with admission and is provided to the chaplain.2. Interdisciplinary Group meetings discuss medical history and needs during IDG.As a chaplain I am required to attend IDG God-HonoringChrist-CenteredBible-BasedSpirit-Led

Looking at the situation from the outside, I would think privacy would be a problem. We seem to climb that tree in every facet of life now. from 2-4pages just from your phone provider, etc.It sounds like the complete record 'might' be available to the chaplain. Things have changed dramatically since I was a volunteer chaplain, rotated with most pastors in town in 1962. I was given nothing but the patients name and quick overview.The system seems to be much more coordinated today, that is good. Some facts but mostly just my [email protected]/

Yes, OTCP you are right, and Cojak

Doyle did receive a good evaluation. I am proud for the good things the evaluation reported. Good Job! Doyle!Cojak: HIPPA is important but it is an Interdisciplinary Approach and it is legal to share the team. They are responsible for not sharing God-HonoringChrist-CenteredBible-BasedSpirit-Led

Thank you Mark for your input. It is appreciated. I was not aware that you are a Chaplain too. Congratulations on the effort it has taken to be a successful pastor and Chaplain too. It certainly shows your heart for God and the people under your pastoral leadership. My primary focus is the Emergency Room and ICU. In the ER, I have only a few minutes with a patient. Sometimes I go from gurney to gurney. Most are still strapped in and most are in pain, sometimes accute pain. Nearly all are tramatized. Many are having breathing problems. At that point, even the doctors and nurses don't have a complete Med Chart on the patient. It is still being developed as they go.There in ER, I establish an initial contact with the patient. Most of them have never met me before nor I them. Once they are sent to a regular room or ICU, I have more time to meet with them or their family members. By then, the Med Chart on the patient is well on it's way and I can take a look at it.When I am making regular rounds, visiting room-to-room, a chart is available, but the ER is a different deal. At times, my main role is the patient's family. This is especially true in life-threatning situations; heart attack, stroke, accidents. And of course Code Blue, when a patient's heart stops, Med Staff pour into the room. My total focus at that time is with the patient's family.And there is this too. At least this has been my thinking. I am open to your input. A quick glance at the patient tells me if he or she is alert. A glance at the monitor tells me the pulse, oxygen level and blood pressure. Since my role is primarily spiritual, how in depth do I need to go in finding out all the medical details. If needed, I can simply look at the chart or ask the nurse.As you can see from the evaluation, the Chief of Chaplains feels I can be more effective if I become more aware of obtaining med info. I have high respect for him and am going to comply.In most cases, when I visit a patient, a simple question What brings you in? gets me the info I need to know. If the patient can't answer, a family member usually fills me in on why the patient is in the hospital and what's happening. The next question, Where do you draw strength from in times like this, puts me very close to knowing if the patient is a person of faith, a church-goer or not.But again, though the Chief of Chaplains did give me a good evaluation, he felt I should be more proficient in getting medical information that can be put in the Chaplain reports. I am going to do exactly that. Again, thanks for the [email protected]