Homegoing Supply Team

1. Review the need for homegoing supplies-(refer to previous committee reports)
2. Review current policies- Legal as well as Financial
3. Review other hospital policies- instate and other University Institutions
4. Review groups or areas that are highest users of homegoing supplies
5. Design and propose a policy to present to Value Analysis Subcommittee for approval and action.
6. Propose implementation procedures
7. Propose communication and staff and patient training
8. Propose ongoing audit of the policy
9. Review outcomes and customer satisfaction

Team Member, Department
Dr. Phyllis Chang, Surgery
Lisa Butikofer, Occupational Therapy
Linda Chase, Nursing
Joan Dolezal, Dietary
Bev Folkedahl, Nursing
Brian Frudden, Financial Management
Gary Hagen, Material Services
Elizabeth Hasselman, Case Management
Myrna Karsten, Nursing
Barb Lee, Business Office
Ken Leo, Physical Therapy
Mary Nace, Nursing Ortho Clinic
Mike Sondergard, Public Relations
Terri Stoner, Value Analysis Facilitator
Rosie Wilhelm, Social Services C-124

The Homegoing supply team members proposed the following Hospital-wide policy for Homegoing Supplies.

University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Policy and Procedures
Subject: Homegoing Supplies
Source: Value Analysis Program
Policy Reference: I.30
Date Effective: January 1, 1998

PURPOSE
To standardize the quantity of homegoing supplies provided to patients throughout UI Hospitals and Clinics at levels that will meet their needs until they obtain additional supplies from a local source.

POLICY
At the time of discharge or clinic visit, UI Hospitals and Clinics may provide up to two days, or the smallest chargeable unit (if the chargeable unit is greater than a two day supply), of homegoing supplies if deemed necessary for the continuance of patient care. The verified State Paper patient may receive ten days of supplies under this policy. All diabetic homegoing supplies must be issued via the UI Hospitals and Clinics Pharmacy and not from an inpatient unit, clinic, or from Processed Stores.

Homegoing supplies are defined as supply items provided to patients with the intent the items will be applied to or used by the patients when the patients are no longer within UI Hospitals and Clinics. An item fit to, applied to, or used by patients while they are within the UI Hospitals and Clinics is not considered a homegoing supply, even if the item eventually leaves the institution with the patient. Examples of this distinction in supply items include:

1. Ted hose — the first pair is not considered homegoing, but the second pair and subsequent pairs are homegoing.
2. Diabetes supplies — initial supplies for in-house use and training are not considered homegoing, extra supplies are homegoing.
3. Ostomy supplies — those not applied in the hospital are considered homegoing.
4. Crutches, braces, walkers, splints and shoes are not considered homegoing supplies if they were fit to the patient and the patient uses them to leave UI Hospitals and Clinics.
5. Dressing supplies — All are homegoing except those that are applied within UI Hospitals and Clinics.

Homegoing products issued to patients cannot be returned for credit. Homegoing supplies should only be issued if deemed necessary for the continuance of patient care and should be limited to no more than a two-day supply, or the smallest chargeable amount. The patient should be assisted, as needed, to establish a source of supply in or near his/her local community. Patients returning for follow-up care to outpatient clinics should not be issued additional supplies.

PROCEDURES
1. Whenever possible, Medical-Surgical homegoing supplies should be obtained from Processed Stores by completing the Outpatient Medical/Surgical Supply Prescription form B-19b₂ (see Exhibit I).

2. If supplies are issued from the unit/clinic:

1. Complete an Outpatient Medical-Surgical Supply Prescription form B-19b₂ and mark "supply taken from _____ unit/clinic." Send form to Processed Stores for billing. ( Note: Supplies must not be taken from the Omnicell Units for homegoing supplies.)
2. If supplies have a blue charge card, that card should be stamped on the unit as in the past.
3. If supplies have a white other charge card, that card should also be stamped on the unit as in the past.

3. Food and Nutrition supplies will be distributed via the main Food and Nutrition Office. A white charge card will be generated at the time of distribution.

4. All diabetic homegoing supplies should be issued via the UI Hospitals and Clinics Pharmacy and not from a nursing unit/area or from Processed Stores.