What is the medical procedure at Taoyuan Sanatorium?
Dear Dr.
Huang,
My mother has recently experienced a worsening of her depression-related complications, leading to disruptive behavior at home.
In our desperation, we admitted her to a nursing facility in Taoyuan, but due to a shortage of beds, she is currently waiting in the emergency room for an available room.
On the first day, she was quite agitated, so she was placed in a private room.
She did not receive her scheduled medications for the first day, only a sleep aid, but she was unable to sleep, similar to her situation at home.
On the second day, her movements were restricted to the bed in hopes that she would get some rest.
Although she did manage to sleep, it was not for long.
That night, she took the sleep aid, and while she was quieter, she only slept for three to four hours.
On the third day, she received her medications only at noon and the sleep aid at night.
I would like to inquire if the reason my mother is not receiving her regular medications three times a day is due to her current instability and the inability to have a consultation.
Can we register for an outpatient appointment at the nursing facility to obtain her medications? Thank you very much for taking the time to read my questions, and I appreciate your response in advance.
Nǚ'ér, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/11/16
Dr. Huang Weiqin reply Psychiatry
To the inquiring netizen: Hello, the medications for patients who are currently in our emergency department are assessed and administered directly by the emergency physicians.
If family members have any questions regarding the medications, they can discuss them with the on-duty medical staff in the emergency department.
I hope this response is helpful.
Reply Date: 2016/11/16
More Info
The admission process at Taoyuan Psychiatric Hospital, particularly in cases of acute psychiatric conditions such as severe depression, can be complex and often requires careful navigation. Based on your description, it appears that your mother is currently experiencing a significant exacerbation of her depressive symptoms, which has led to her being admitted to the hospital for treatment. However, due to a lack of available beds, she is temporarily placed in the emergency room, which can complicate her care.
In psychiatric settings, especially during the initial stages of hospitalization, the treatment plan may not immediately include all medications that a patient was taking prior to admission. This is often due to the need for a comprehensive assessment by the medical team. The doctors may want to observe the patient’s behavior and mental state without the influence of certain medications, particularly if there are concerns about the patient's safety or the appropriateness of their current medication regimen.
It is not uncommon for patients to experience a delay in receiving their usual medications during the first few days of hospitalization. This is particularly true if the patient is in a state of agitation or if their condition is unstable. In your mother's case, it seems that the medical team is trying to stabilize her condition before reintroducing her regular medications. The medications prescribed during this time may be limited to those deemed necessary for immediate safety and stabilization, such as sleep aids or medications to manage acute symptoms.
Regarding your question about whether you can register for an outpatient appointment to obtain medication while your mother is hospitalized, this typically depends on the hospital's policies. In many cases, family members cannot directly request medications for a patient who is currently admitted, as the treatment plan is managed by the inpatient team. However, you can certainly discuss your concerns with the nursing staff or the attending physician. They can provide clarity on the medication management process and whether it would be appropriate to resume her previous medication regimen.
It's also important to understand that psychiatric hospitals often have protocols in place to ensure patient safety and effective treatment. If your mother is experiencing significant distress or agitation, the staff may implement measures to help her feel more secure and to manage her symptoms effectively. This may include close monitoring, the use of seclusion if necessary, and the gradual reintroduction of medications as her condition stabilizes.
In summary, the admission process at Taoyuan Psychiatric Hospital involves a careful assessment of the patient's condition, which may lead to temporary changes in medication management. While it can be frustrating to see a loved one not receiving their usual medications, this approach is often taken to ensure the patient's safety and to allow for a more tailored treatment plan. It is crucial to maintain open communication with the healthcare team, as they can provide the best guidance on how to support your mother during this challenging time.
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