Tips for hospital patients

Have you been in the hospital? I think it is quite impossible if you answer no. But do you really know what to do in hospital? Read this tips for hospital patients :-

•  Keep a written log of your medical history including chronic illnesses, surgeries and current medications or therapy. Keep this information current and readily in case you should need it.
•  Get an advocate who is aware of what treatment including medications, has been ordered and can ask questions on your behalf. If possible give your advocate a copy of your medical history information or inform them of where it is kept.
•  If a hospitalization is scheduled in advance, have a prepared list of questions. Ask the physician for as much information as possible regarding the expected treatment, therapy, tests, length of stay, activity, pain control method, medications such as antibiotics, intravenous fluids and diet.
•  If a hospitalization is unscheduled, you or your designated advocate should prepare a written list of questions as soon as possible.
•  You may be attended by a physician other than your primary care physician while in the hospital. Some health care plans are using physician specialists called hospitalists/
•  If surgery is scheduled, you should expect a visit from the anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist prior to going to the operating room. Inform this person of all medical history including chronic conditions, prior surgeries or anesthesia. Do not assume he/she already knows.

Anesthesiologist’s Manual of Surgical Procedures

•  If you don’t understand what the physician or nursing staff is saying, ask for clarification
•  Hospitals may have booklet with helpful information. If contacted by the hospital prior to a scheduled procedure, be receptive. Use this as an opportunity to obtain information on what to expect.
• Ask questions. If you believe a medication, treatment, diagnostic test, diet is an error, ask the staff to verify the correct medication..
• Patients must have discharge instructions. If you are not clear on what to do after discharge, ask your physician or the nursing staff. This includes prescriptions you need, how to care for dressings or incisions, activities, diet when to see a physician, what problems might occur, such as fever, drainage.
• Hospitals are required to have written patient rights which should be given to you. These rights include a grievance procedure. Most problems can be immediately resolved if brought to the attention of hospital staff. If you do not believe the issue has been adequately addressed ask to whom you can speak. Many hospitals have patient advocates.
• No health care provider wants to harm a patient or make a mistake. Ask question and answer their questions as accurately and completely as you can. Help them to help you.

That’s some tips that can be use at hospital. The important things is ask for your right…