A cause and effect diagram was developed to determine the variables and to explore possible solutions. The resulting policy outlines a plan which begins with the assessment and documentation of these patients by registered nurses in the Evaluation Unit. Patients who are at risk are fitted with a green vest and a tag is placed on the vest with their name, the last four digits of their social security number and name of the assigned clinic.
Clinic personnel are alerted of the patient's arrival by the person escorting the patient.
After completion of the clinic appointment, the patient is escorted back to the Evaluation Unit for immediate transportation to the nursing home. If an employee discovers an outpatient wearing a green vest who has wandered from the designated treatment area, the employee ensures the patient's safe return to the Evaluation Unit.