Getting locked in the bathroom: A risk assessment awaits
I was discussing recently the idea of staff members’ ability to rescue patients who lock themselves in a bathroom. Ultimately, your plan in this regard revolves around a risk assessment.
Such an evaluation should be based on the configuration of the patient bathroom locks in your facility.
I can tell you that there are still surveyors that like to do the “I’m locked in the bathroom and having chest pains, how fast can you get me out” scenarios during visits to patient care areas.
From a strictly risk management perspective–as getting locked into a bathroom is an event that could be expected with some degree of certainty–it is incumbent upon the organization to ensure an appropriate response (including availability of whatever means is necessary to achieve emergent access).
About the Author: Steve MacArthur is a consultant for The Greeley Company, a division of HCPro. He brings 30 years of healthcare management and consulting experience to his work with hospitals, physician offices, and ambulatory care facilities across the country. He is the author of HCPro's Hospital Safety Director's Handbook and is contributing editor for Briefings on Hospital Safety. Contact Steve at 
