THE ROLE OF A PHLEBOTOMIST: IN HEALTH CARE & PATIENT’S RIGHTS By: Amanda Mims

THE PHLEBOTOMY PROFESSION Phlebotomy - the act of removing blood from a vein. Phlebotomist - the person taking the blood. The phlebotomist is a member of the healthcare team and must demonstrate professional behavior at all times. Professionalism - the qualities that characterize a professional person and the conduct they should exhibit. Example: It would be unprofessional for a teacher to bring alcohol to school.

THE PHLEBOTOMY PROFESSIONAL Other necessary qualities and characteristics include….. Dependability - be ready to work, be on time, be present Integrity - honest, loyal, have pride in work Compassion - being sensitive to a patient’s needs and fears Empathy -putting oneself into the patient’s shoes Self-confidence - trust in oneself and in one’s own judgment Self-motivated - feels the need to get the job done correctly each day Interpersonal skills - must communicate effectively with patients as well as fellow workers

THE PHLEBOTOMY PROFESSIONAL Ethical Behavior Ethics - rules of performance and conduct both personal and professional. Ethical behavior - the standard of right and wrong for the sake of the patient. Phlebotomists cannot do anything that would possibly harm the patient.

THE PHLEBOTOMY PROFESSIONAL Personal Appearance Clothing should be clean and wrinkle-free. Shoes should be in good condition. Hair styles should be conservative. Personal hygiene should be exceptional. Hands and nails should be clean Jewelry, fragrances, and makeup should be moderate.

HEALTH CARE SETTINGS Phlebotomists have the opportunity to work in many health care facilities, such as: Physician’s office laboratories Reference laboratories Urgent care centers Nursing home facilities Wellness clinics In order to keep their certificate current, phlebotomists must participate in continuing education.

ROLE OF THE PHLEBOTOMIST The phlebotomist is an important member of the medical laboratory team. Their most important duty is to collect blood specimens from patients. The phlebotomist must be sure that the specimen is taken correctly and properly, and that the appropriate tools are used. The phlebotomist helps ensure that specimens are collected in a timely manner and are transported to the laboratory.

ROLE OF THE PHLEBOTOMIST Phlebotomists work in more than one area, such as patient care, specimen processing, and other office assignments. Phlebotomists will collect blood by venipuncture or by capillary puncture. Some phlebotomists are now being allowed to perform arterial punctures. This is the taking of blood directly from a artery. Venipuncture - collecting blood from a vein. Capillary puncture - collecting blood from the fingers or feet.

ROLE OF THE PHLEBOTOMIST Phlebotomists may enter the patient’s name and data into the laboratory information system (LIS). They may be able to perform simple tests on patient specimens, like point-of-care tests. Other skills and roles of the phlebotomist include: Monitoring vital signs Communication with patients and other lab workers CPR and AED certified Knowing information about frequently ordered tests Knowing medical terminology Performing electrocardiography (ECG) Clerical skills Preparation of blood smears

PATIENT RIGHTS & SAFETY Phlebotomists need to know a patient’s rights. Most of the time a patient is informed of his or her rights on a paper statement and they must sign that they are aware of their rights before they can receive any services. This form becomes a part of their chart and is kept by the health care facility.

PATIENT RIGHTS & SAFETY In 1975, the American Hospital Association (AHA), published a Patient's Bill of Rights. This bill listed specific rights of patients receiving care in the hospital only. In 2003 the previous bill was replaced by the Patient Care Partnership. This new bill was created to ensure the satisfaction of the patient, physician, and health care facility by making clear the rights, expectations, and responsibility of all people involved in the patient’s care. The new bill also addresses the responsibilities of both the patient and the physician.

PATIENT RIGHTS & SAFETY Patients can expect….. High quality hospital care A clean and safe environment Involvement of the patient in their own care Protection of privacy Preparing the patient and their family for departure from the hospital. Help with billing and the filing of insurance claims http://www.aha.org/content/00-10/pcp_english_030730.pdf

PATIENT RIGHTS & SAFETY Hospitals can expect the patient to: Tell their caregivers about their concerns and if they are in pain. Give accurate information about their past medical history including: past illnesses, surgeries, hospital stays, allergies, any medicines or dietary supplements. Give network or admission requirements under their health plan. Provide Knowledge and copies of their power of attorney, living will, or an advance directive stating their end-of-life care requests.

PATIENT RIGHTS & SAFETY If a patient believes that a hospital has violated their legal rights, they can take legal action against the hospital. Phlebotomists are responsible for upholding and supporting the beliefs of their employer.

REFUSAL OF TREATMENT Patients have the right to refuse medical treatment, including blood draws. Patients have been known to tell the phlebotomist they will not allow them to draw their blood. If a phlebotomist does not respect this wish they can be charged with battery. Battery is intentionally touching another person without the permission to do so. If a patient refuses, the phlebotomist must be ready to discuss this with the patient and their doctor.

PATIENT CONFIDENTIALITY & HIPAA In 1996, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act was put into place. This act was put in place to protect patient information and their privacy. This law states that health care workers must get written consent from a patient in order to use or give out any patient information. HIPAA violations carry a steep fine.

PATIENT CONFIDENTIALITY Rules of patient confidentiality protect the patient and the members of the health care field. Providers must keep all patient information private and use it only on a need-to-know basis. If a health care provider is not directly working with the patient, they do not need to know anything about that patient. Phlebotomists may have access to patient records including the patient’s diagnosis, proposed treatment plan, personal history, and billing information. All of the access listed above must be held as confidential.

PATIENT CONFIDENTIALITY A phlebotomist must not discuss patient information in the halls, elevators, cafeterias, and any other public place. The discussing of any patient must hide the true identity of the patient. Think of it this way… Would you like people in the halls or in the school cafeteria hearing about your personal business?

Now that you know… After reviewing the necessary qualities and characteristics of a phlebotomist, create a graphic organizer of your choice which shows the qualities/characteristics you think are most important! Be able to explain why.