Hailey Tran
A hospital stay can be a daunting experience, especially for children. It is important to understand your rights as a patient, which include being involved in decisions about your hospital stay, knowing who will pay for it, and receiving a written discharge notice and plan. If you are admitted to the hospital, you will be assigned a status based on your symptoms or type of injury, which will determine how quickly you are seen and treated. During your stay, you will be cared for by a team of health professionals, including nurses, doctors, and specialists. It is important to ask questions and seek clarification if you do not understand something. In addition, staying mobile during your hospital stay can aid in quicker recovery and help prevent additional health issues. Preparing for your hospital discharge and arranging for any necessary support or services after you leave are also crucial aspects of your care.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Length of stay | Depends on the illness or injury. Could be weeks, months, or longer. |
| Who decides the length of stay | Doctors and nurses decide based on the patient's best interests. |
| Patient's rights | Involvement in discharge planning, appeal against discharge, and access to services after discharge. |
| Patient's responsibilities | Treating staff and other patients with respect, following ward rules, and informing staff of any risks or incidents. |
| Preparing for a hospital stay | Arranging childcare, pet care, and transportation. |
| Items to bring | Address book, notebook, toiletries, reading material, walking stick, hearing aid, etc. |
| During the stay | Staying mobile, asking questions, seeking support from social workers, and making use of hospital schools (for teens). |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing for your hospital stay
Make Arrangements
Before checking into the hospital, ensure that you have arranged for things like child and pet care, yard work, mail collection, and bill payments. Ask a relative or loved one to assist you by accompanying you to the hospital and staying with you as much as possible during your hospital stay. This person can be your advocate, alerting nurses when needed, ensuring your questions are answered, and taking notes during doctor visits.
Understand Your Rights
As a hospital patient, you have certain rights, such as the right to be involved in decisions about your hospital stay and discharge plan. You also have the right to appeal your discharge plan and date. Understand your insurance coverage and inform your insurance provider about your hospital stay to avoid any issues with coverage.
Prepare Your Paperwork and Medication
Gather all your paperwork, including your insurance card, a list of emergency contacts, and a list of all the medications you are currently taking, including over-the-counter medications, dietary supplements, and herbal remedies. Bring these medications with you to the hospital so that your healthcare team can review them. Inform your healthcare team about any allergies or reactions you have to medications.
Pack Smart
Pack everything you will need for your hospital stay, including personal hygiene items, comfortable clothing, and entertainment options. You may also want to bring snacks and drinks, but be sure to check with your healthcare team first. Avoid bringing valuables and electronics, as hospitals are not responsible for stolen items. Instead, bring only what you need and try to fit everything into a standard carry-on bag that is well-labeled and lockable.
Stay Informed
Build a relationship with your healthcare team by learning about their qualifications and experience. Be present during rounds, shift changes, and conferences with the care team to stay informed about your treatment. Take notes for yourself and your family members, and ensure you understand your treatment plan and medication.
Maintain Mobility
Staying mobile during your hospital stay can aid in your recovery and help prevent additional health problems, such as infections, pressure sores, and blood clots. Move about the ward regularly, with assistance if needed, and follow safety protocols to prevent accidents and falls.
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Your rights as a patient
As a patient, you have a number of rights that are important to be aware of. Firstly, you have the right to confidentiality; your medical and financial records will not be released to anyone outside the hospital without your approval, except in certain specific circumstances, such as if you are transferred to another facility. You also have the right to be free from physical and mental abuse, as well as freedom from restraints unless authorised by a physician for a limited period to protect your safety or that of others.
Furthermore, you have the right to receive treatment without discrimination based on race, age, religion, national origin, sex, sexual preferences, handicap, diagnosis, or ability to pay. You can also exercise your constitutional, civil, and legal rights. You should be informed of the names, titles, and duties of healthcare professionals involved in your treatment, and you have the right to refuse their participation. You should also be advised of the hospital's rules regarding patient and visitor conduct.
You are entitled to prompt access to your medical records, and if you are unable to access them directly, your next of kin or guardian can do so. You can also obtain a copy of your records within 30 days by submitting a written request. It is within your rights to ask questions, file grievances, and receive a response regarding patient rights from designated hospital staff.
Additionally, you have the right to be informed of the hospital's policies and procedures regarding life-saving methods and the use or withdrawal of life support. You can refuse medication and treatment, as long as it is within the limits of the law, and you should be informed of the consequences of such a refusal. You can only be included in experimental research if you have given informed consent. You can choose your own private professional nurse and request a list of local nurse registries from the hospital. You are entitled to appropriate assessment and treatment for pain.
In terms of admission and discharge, you have the right to be involved in decisions about your hospital stay and to know who will pay for it. You can report any concerns about discharge or the quality of care to a Quality Improvement Organization (QIO). You should receive a written discharge plan that outlines future healthcare arrangements, and you have the right to appeal this plan.
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What to expect during your stay
What to expect during your hospital stay
Arrival and admission
If you are arriving at the hospital for a planned treatment or surgery, it is a good idea to phone the hospital the day before to confirm your appointment. You may want to bring a family member or friend for support. When you arrive, a nurse will ask you questions about your medical history and symptoms and get you settled into your room. They will also take your vital signs, including your temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate.
During your stay
Nurses, nurse's aides, and therapists will take part in your care. Doctors also work with medical students and resident doctors who are undergoing specialty training. You will likely meet hospital volunteers as well. You should treat all staff, patients, and visitors politely and with respect.
It is important to stay mobile during your hospital stay to aid your recovery and prevent health complications. You will be encouraged to move about the ward, and you will be given assistance if needed. If you are at risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), you will be given compression stockings to improve your circulation.
You should ask staff to explain anything you don't understand about your treatment or medication. You can also ask for help if you feel dizzy or unwell when getting in or out of bed. It is a good idea to take notes so that you don't forget important information.
If you are a parent, it can be helpful to involve your child in the preparation for their hospital stay. You can ask the doctor to describe the procedure or surgery in an age-appropriate way and give truthful and clear responses to any concerns they may have. Reassure them that you will be there to provide help and comfort.
Discharge
Before you leave the hospital, you should understand your discharge plan and any activities you will be able to do once you get home. You should also be clear about any exercises, medication, or other instructions you need to follow to aid your recovery. You will receive a written discharge notice and plan, and you have the right to appeal if necessary.
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Preparing for discharge
Planning for Discharge:
Start planning for your discharge early on during your hospital stay. This will ensure that you have all the necessary support and services in place when you return home. Work closely with the hospital staff, your doctor, and your care plan team to address any concerns and make the necessary arrangements. Ask questions and seek clarification on anything you don't understand about your health or discharge instructions.
Understanding Your Discharge Plan:
You have the right to be involved in your discharge planning and to receive a written discharge notice and plan. This plan should outline the services you may need after leaving the hospital, who will pay for them, and where you can access them. Review this plan carefully and ask questions to ensure you understand what you need to do to support your recovery at home.
Practical Considerations:
Before leaving the hospital, ensure you have any necessary aids or equipment, such as a walking stick, and fill any required prescriptions. Understand the warning signs that may indicate a need to call a healthcare professional or return to the hospital. Additionally, clarify any activities you may need to avoid or modify, such as heavy lifting or climbing stairs.
Support at Home:
Arrange for any necessary support at home, such as childcare, pet care, or home healthcare services. Prepare some meals in advance or ask friends and family to help with meals, so you don't have to worry about cooking immediately after returning home.
Social and Emotional Support:
Hospitals, especially those treating children and teens, often offer various resources for social and emotional support. Take advantage of these resources to help you stay connected with friends and family during your hospital stay and transition back to your daily life after discharge.
Remember, preparing for discharge is an ongoing process, and it's important to stay informed and proactive throughout your hospital stay to ensure a smooth transition back home.
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Returning home
Before you leave the hospital, it is important to speak with your family and healthcare team to ensure that everyone is clear about what you need to do when you leave. It is also important to understand anything you need to do before leaving the hospital, such as going over your discharge plan, picking up any aids or equipment you need for your recovery, or filling a prescription.
You have the right to be involved in your discharge planning and to appeal the discharge plan or notice. You must receive a written discharge notice and plan, and you can appeal by contacting the Quality Improvement Organization (QIO) no later than your planned discharge date and before you leave the hospital. If you do this, you will not have to pay for the services you receive during the appeal.
It is important to make sure you understand your health and any instructions for your recovery. Ask as many questions as you need to make sure you understand, and take notes so you do not forget important information. Ask about any activities you will be able to do once you get home, such as driving, bathing, and climbing stairs. Understand the warning signs that will mean you have to call a healthcare professional or return to the hospital. Check if there are any follow-up appointments you need to make.
You may also want to prepare your home for your return by asking a friend, family member, or neighbour to look after your other family members, pets, or plants, as well as collect your mail and pay your bills. You can also cook some meals or buy some frozen meals to store in your freezer so that you have something ready to eat when you come home.
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Frequently asked questions
If you are an adult with the capacity to make decisions, you can refuse treatment. However, health professionals will make a "best interests decision" about your treatment if you are deemed unable to make decisions. If you are held under the Mental Health Act, you can be treated against your will.
This depends on your condition and treatment plan. If you are in the ICU, you are unstable and need to be closely monitored. If you are more stable, you will be moved to a ward with a similar team of healthcare professionals.
Bring any medication you are currently taking. You should also bring toiletries, a robe, reading material, and other personal items.
