Healthcare Inspection Alleged End of Life Care Issues VA Palo Alto Health Care System Palo Alto, California

Report Information

Issue Date
Report Number
08-00509-103
VISN
State
California
District
VA Office
Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Report Author
Office of Healthcare Inspections
Report Type
Hotline Healthcare Inspection
Recommendations
0
Questioned Costs
$0
Better Use of Funds
$0
Congressionally Mandated
No

Summary

Summary
The purpose of the review was to evaluate the validity of allegations that: (1) the deaths of four patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) were hastened through the use of high dosages of narcotics and too little oxygen, (2) end of life care policies were not clear or comprehensive, and (3) patient flow into and out of the ICU was inappropriately influenced by upcoming major surgeries.
Recommendations (0)