If you or someone you know is in the hospital, you know how stressful it can be. The patient may need a friend or family member to step in to advocate for them. This person will need to ask important questions and keep track of the answers. By writing down the questions and the answers, you will have a clearer understanding of what comes next.
It is a good idea to have a friend or family member ask and record the answers about the patient's medical condition. The patient may not be in any condition to be able to either ask questions or record the answers, and may simply be too sick to be their own best advocate.
Some of the questions to be asked and answered include which doctors have treated you while you are in the hospital, what tests are needed before you can be released, and what tasks you must be able to do before you are judged ready to leave the hospital.
It is not unusual to never hear about the results of tests that have been performed. A follow-up system will help you to know to call the doctor's office or ask a nurse to get the test results.
Also, make a list of the tests that remain to be performed on you prior to your release from the hospital; what these tests are for; what the results will indicate; what additional treatment will be needed; and what the possible diagnosis will be.
Before you can be discharged from the hospital, there are certain tasks you probably have to be able to do by yourself. These can include getting out of bed by yourself; being able to walk to the bathroom; having a bowel movement; and/or being hydrated to a certain level.
When you are released it will be important to understand what restrictions you will have relating to food, drink, and physical activities. For example, will you be able to take a shower, drive, drink alcohol, eat normally? This information will help your caregivers take better care of you and help speed your recovery. It is also critical to confirm which medications you are to take once you return home. It is common for a person's medication list to change drastically during their hospitalization.
Being in the hospital can be a time of great stress and it will, hopefully, be a time of great healing. Remember to have someone help you to ask questions and record the answers, so that you can understand the your treatment plan and your prognosis. You will record contact information for your doctors; detailed information about tests and their results; what you need to accomplish physically before you leave the hospital; and what is not recommended for you to do upon your return home.
Kathy shrieked and sat bolt upright. Hysterectomy?! She was scheduled for gall bladder surgery! The nurse showed her the paper work that called for a hysterectomy.
Kathy immediately dressed and fled. She found a new physician and a new hospital and had her gall bladder successfully removed two weeks later. Two years later, she gave birth to her third child.
While estimates vary, every year tens of thousands of people die or are harmed in hospitals due to preventable incidents. And while incorrect surgeries make the headlines, infections and drug interactions cause most problems. Here are some tips to protect yourself.
Prepare Yourself
* Look for a board certified doctor. The American Board of Medical Specialists' "Directory of Board Certified Medical Specialists" is available at many libraries, or 866-ASK-ABMS, or visit their website.
* Be sure hospitalization is necessary, and you understand the diagnosis, options, and potential problems.
* Be direct when talking to a doctor. Don't minimize or trivialize your problems. Bring someone along on an important visit with a doctor.
* Read up on your disorder to become more knowledgeable. Write your questions in advance, and use a notepad or take a recorder.
* Get an opinion from a doctor with no connection to the first one.
* Learn as much as you can about your doctor, either informally, or through professional groups.
* Ask tough questions, such as how many of these surgeries he has performed, and his success rate. Will he do the operation, or an assistant? Call the hospital to verify the numbers.
* Get the hospital's success rate for the procedure you will receive, particularly for major surgery.
* Ask your surgeon about the optimal timing for surgeries and preventive antibiotics, and about options for transfusions and pain control.
* Plan your recovery, including home care you will need.
* For more help, get the booklet "Having Surgery? What You Need To Know" from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Call 800-358-9295, or visit their website for the e-mail address.
Monitor Your Medications
* Ask your doctor to help you compile a list of additional drugs you'll probably need including nonprescription drugs. Include the name, dosage instructions, color, number, and shape of pills.
* Discuss allergic reactions you have had well in advance.
* Bring the pill containers for all the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs.
* Give your medications to your anesthesiologist, along with your complete medical history.
* Be sure your medications are recorded on your medical chart.
* Make sure your name and any allergies are correct on your wristband. Nurses should check it each time before administering a drug.
* If a drug appears different, get an explanation from the doctor or pharmacist before taking the drug.
During Your Stay
* Be certain you understand forms you are asked to sign. Get copies before going to the hospital.
* Ask the surgeon to mark the surgery site while you are awake.
* Have someone stay with you the first 24 hours following surgery, and as much as possible afterwards.
* You should expect reasonable pain control. If you are not comfortable, notify your doctor.
* Request that doctors and medical personnel wash their hands before touching you.
* Only let a Registered Nurse (RN) perform the following procedures: inserting IVs, catheters or gastric tubes; changing sterile dressings or treating damaged skin; giving shots; or caring for a tracheotomy or giving tube feedings.
* Discuss your treatment plan in advance, and question your doctor about unexpected treatments.
* Appeal your discharge if you don't feel you are ready to go home.
* Have a thorough review with your surgeon before you leave the hospital. Know what warning signs to look for during recovery and possible side effects from medications.
Both Sibyl Day & John Myre are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Sibyl Day has sinced written about articles on various topics from Fitness, Plastic Surgeon and Family Concerns. SmallTown Duo is owned by Sibyl Day and Mary Benson. Sibyl practiced law for 10 years, Mary was an occupational therapist for 10 years. Both live in Northern California and now publish legal and medical books for consumers. This article is based on inform. Sibyl Day's top article generates over 90500 views. to your Favourites.
John Myre has sinced written about articles on various topics from Cars, Children and Home. John Myre is the author of the award-winning book, , and the publisher of the. John Myre's top article generates over 14800 views. to your Favourites.