Patient Exclusion in Geriatric Staffings

Abstract

A recent move toward patient rights in long-term care institutions is the inclusion of the patient in the planning of care and treatment. This paper describes how the strategic problem for staffers of patient participation in care staffings is managed. Data were collected by participant observation in five nursing homes and are organized in terms of solutions to the problems of patient participation. The use and support of patient exclusionary devices, by patients and staff members, contain the input and effect that participating patients have on deliberations over their care and, at the same time, place a practical limit on related patient rights.