HOME VISIT POLICY
HOME VISIT POLICY
It is a routine and enriching part of undergraduate placements in general practice for students to visit and talk to patients and carers in their homes.
Escorted visits
These refer to visits to patients in their own homes by members of the primary care team accompanied by the medical student. The patient’s consent for the medical student to be present during the home visit should be obtained.
Unescorted visits
Where students are expected to visit a patient at home without an accompanying healthcare worker the supervising clinician will have previously selected and consented the patient (and carer, if appropriate) for such an activity. Patients will have been given details about the purpose of the visit, the timing and the name/s of the students.
Students should ideally visit in pairs. If a student wishes to undertake a visit on their own, and consent has been given as above, this can be safely managed if the student adheres to the following guidelines:
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· Know where you are going and plan your journey · Ask for help and instructions from your tutor if unsure. Make sure you have contact details for your tutor before you leave · Ensure your practice knows where you are going and when you are expected back · Be very clear about the purpose of your visit and how to conduct yourself · Always carry your identification card, adequate finances to get you home and a map. · Confirm consent again on arrival · Do not undertake an examination or procedure outside your competency and without appropriate supervision · Terminate and excuse yourself from the visit if for any reason you feel unsafe
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Students are asked to discuss with their tutors if they feel uncomfortable about making a visit. If, after discussing proposed visits with the tutor, students still feel uncomfortable, the tutor must arrange for them to be accompanied or accompany them themselves.
