Hailey Tran
Being admitted to the hospital can be a stressful and daunting experience, especially for children. There are many reasons why one might be admitted to the hospital, ranging from physical ailments such as heart attacks, epilepsy, and childbirth, to mental health issues. In some cases, individuals may be admitted for surgeries or tests that require an overnight stay. Regardless of the reason for hospitalization, it is important to be aware of one's rights and to provide informed consent for any medical procedures or treatments. This includes the right to refuse treatment and to make advance decisions regarding one's care. Understanding one's medical history is also crucial, as it can help medical professionals provide the best possible care.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reasons for Hospital Admission | Physical or Mental Health Issues |
| Examples of Physical Health Issues | Tumour Removal, Spinal Tap, Childbirth, Stitches, Heart Attacks, Appendectomy, Epilepsy Diagnosis, Broken Bones, Concussions, Asthma, Surgeries |
| Examples of Mental Health Issues | Mental Breakdown |
| Pre-Admission Requirements | COVID-19 Test, Face Covering, Self-Isolation |
| Admission Procedures | Consent Forms, Advance Decision to Refuse Treatment (Living Will), Involvement in Treatment Decisions, Family/Friend Involvement |
| Pediatric Considerations | Parental Consent, Child Competency (Gillick Competent), Parental Presence for Support |
Childbirth
Regular contractions that are one minute in length and occurring five minutes apart for over two hours is a sign of transition from early to active labour, and it's recommended that you head to the hospital at this point. If your water breaks, whether you're experiencing contractions or not, it's important to go to the hospital to reduce the risk of infection. Note the colour, odour, and amount of fluid when this happens. Vaginal bleeding that is more than just spotting is another reason to seek medical attention.
Studies have shown that the timing of hospital admission for childbirth can vary. Some women may labour at home until their contractions become regular and less than five minutes apart, while others may be admitted earlier due to various factors such as high-risk pregnancies or premature rupture of membranes. The decision to admit a woman in labour may also depend on cervical dilation; if a woman is less than 4 cm dilated, she may be sent home, while dilation of more than 4 cm typically leads to admission to continue labour and childbirth.
It's important to be prepared and know what to expect during childbirth, including the signs that indicate a need for hospital admission. Attending childbirth education classes can be beneficial, as women who took these classes were more likely to labour at home until their contractions became regular and further apart, which can lead to a more positive and controlled experience.
Mental breakdown
A mental breakdown can be a frightening and distressing experience. It is important to remember that you are not alone and that help is available. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental breakdown, it may be necessary to seek hospital admission to ensure safety and access to appropriate treatment.
When to Seek Hospital Admission
The decision to seek hospital admission for a mental breakdown depends on several factors. Most people with mental health issues can be treated in the community without needing hospitalization. However, there are instances where inpatient care may be required to stabilize your condition and ensure your safety. If you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm, violence towards others, psychosis, or complete functional instability, then seeking emergency medical help is crucial. Additionally, if you are facing a severe physical manifestation of a mental health issue that threatens your well-being and functioning, hospitalization should be considered.
Voluntary vs. Compulsory Admission
Hospital admission for mental health treatment can be voluntary or compulsory. If you voluntarily admit yourself, it is important to understand the facility's policies and procedures, including admission and discharge processes. You have the right to consent to or refuse treatment as a voluntary patient. On the other hand, compulsory admission may occur if your hospitalization is court-ordered or if a family member admits you involuntarily due to concerns about your well-being.
Treatment During Hospitalization
Once admitted to a hospital, you will be evaluated by a team of mental health professionals, including doctors, nurses, psychiatrists, and possibly psychologists or psychotherapists. They will assess your mental and physical health, take a history, make a diagnosis, and develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Treatment may include individual, group, or family therapy, as well as psychiatric medications. The goal is to provide a safe and protected environment where you can address your mental health crisis and work towards stabilization and recovery.
Discharge and Follow-up Care
The length of your hospital stay will depend on your progress and the determination of whether you can safely transition to outpatient care. During hospitalization, insurance companies will periodically evaluate your progress to decide if extended care is necessary. After discharge, it is crucial to have a strong support system, including friends and family, to help with the transition. Additionally, follow-up treatment and support groups can assist in maintaining wellness and reducing the risk of suicide, which can be prominent after leaving a psychiatric hospital.
Surgery
Another person shared a similar sentiment, feeling uncomfortable about the idea of their coworkers clicking on their medical charts out of curiosity. They expressed a preference for being treated at a different hospital to avoid this potential invasion of privacy. However, they acknowledged that most hospitals monitor unauthorised access to employee records, holding staff members accountable for any breaches.
One nurse shared their experience of being a patient in the hospital's surgical department, which was separate from their usual workplace within the same medical centre. They recalled their surgeon recognising them due to the severity of their case. This individual's experience highlights the contrasting perspectives of being a healthcare provider and a patient, which can lead to unique dynamics and emotions.
Additionally, a former patient shared their experience of undergoing an appendectomy at the hospital where they worked. They mentioned feeling awkward as a patient, possibly due to the effects of medication. Despite this, they described the experience as positive and even recalled giving a thumbs-up to the nurse who attended their surgery upon waking up. This account offers a reassuring perspective on being admitted for surgery, emphasising the supportive role of the nursing staff.
Foreign objects stuck in body
Foreign objects stuck in the body is a common issue, especially with young children who, out of curiosity, may put small objects in their noses, ears, or mouths. Adults may also swallow foreign objects due to object-swallowing disorders like pica, a behavioural disorder that involves the compulsive eating of non-food items.
Foreign objects commonly get stuck in the eyes, nose, ears, throat, and skin. In the skin, common foreign objects include wood splinters, thorns, slivers of metal or glass, and gravel. Foreign objects in the skin may not always require removal, as they usually work their way out without causing problems. However, if the object is unable to be removed at home, medical attention is necessary.
If a foreign object is stuck in the eye, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. For objects stuck in the nose, a suction machine can be used to remove them. Similarly, for the ears, a suction machine or an endoscope, a long thin tube with a light and camera, may be used.
For foreign objects stuck in the skin, a doctor may make a small incision and use tools to remove the object. If the object is deeply embedded, local anaesthesia may be administered before making a small cut to extract the object. The wound is then closed with stitches or surgical tape, and proper wound care is essential to prevent infection.
In the case of swallowed foreign objects, 9 out of 10 cases will pass through the digestive system without treatment. However, if the object becomes lodged in the airways or the digestive tract, immediate medical attention is required. Doctors may use an endoscope to locate and remove the object, or push it out through the stomach. Magnetic extraction is another method used to remove small objects from the body.
Accidents
If you are unconscious when admitted to the hospital, your treatment will be funded if you are identified as being on medical aid. Your family or next of kin will need to apply for a Pre-authorisation (PAR) number within two working days. It is essential to have a plan in place so that your loved ones can handle the necessary paperwork and provide relevant information for your treatment, such as specific allergies, blood type, religious impacts on treatment, living wills, and the presence of special medical devices.
In the case of emergency admission, the responsibility falls on the patient or their medical scheme member to obtain authorisation. Without pre-authorisation, the patient will be admitted as a private patient and will be financially liable for their treatment. Those without medical aid may need to be admitted to a public hospital or provide financial surety to a private hospital.
Frequently asked questions
If you are being admitted through the emergency department, bring your medical information. If it is a planned admission, bring your admission notification and your pre-admission health questionnaire (if you have been asked to complete one).
If it is a maternity hospital, make your way to the reception desk. If it is a general hospital, go directly to the maternity department. A midwife will assess you and, if necessary, you will be admitted and taken to a birthing suite. For other admissions, you will be shown to the pre-operative area by a member of the nursing team, where an admission interview will take place.
A nurse will ask you questions about your health to make sure you are ready for surgery or treatment. They may also perform basic tests, such as taking your temperature and blood pressure.
