Logan Reid
Staying safe in the hospital is a priority for the staff caring for you. However, hospital violence is on the rise, and patients should also be aware of the risks and take steps to ensure their safety. Before choosing a hospital, research the facilities, compare patient safety measures, and understand what to expect. During your stay, keep your living space clean, ask questions, and voice any concerns. Be aware of your medical information, medication, and discharge instructions. Take short walks, do simple exercises, and stay hydrated. Ask staff and visitors if they have washed their hands before coming into contact with you.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Research hospitals | Compare hospitals on measures of patient safety like infections and mortality rates |
| Plan ahead | Understand the care team, provider/surgeon, and facility |
| Keep it clean | Bring disinfected wipes and hand sanitizer |
| Bring a friend | Two sets of eyes and ears to better understand what's going on |
| Take notes | Understand every test and medication being administered |
| Ask questions | Voice any questions or concerns about your care to any member of your health care team |
| Know your medication | Tell your health care team about every prescription, non-prescription medication, or supplement you are taking |
| Know your discharge plan | Discuss your discharge options with your care team |
| Prevent falls | Follow your health care team's instructions regarding walking or using equipment |
| Prevent pressure ulcers | Turn over often if you have to stay in bed for long periods |
| Prevent blood clots | Take short walks and do simple leg and ankle exercises |
| Stay hydrated | Drink plenty of water or other fluids, unless instructed otherwise |
| Prevent injury | Wear snug-fitting slippers or shoes with rubber soles |
| Keep hands clean | Wash your hands after going to the toilet and before all meals |
| Prevent violence | Hospitals should invest in security systems like video surveillance, alarm systems, and access control |
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What You'll Learn
- Research hospitals in your area and compare them on measures of patient safety
- Bring your own cleaning supplies, hand sanitiser, and pillowcase
- Ask your visitors to wash their hands before entering your room
- Keep your health care team informed about your medication and any allergies
- Request copies of after-care instructions and discharge paperwork
Research hospitals in your area and compare them on measures of patient safety
When researching hospitals in your area, there are several factors and tools to consider when comparing them on patient safety. Firstly, it is important to understand the different aspects of patient safety, which include clinical quality, patient experience, and the prevention of medical errors and infections.
Several organizations provide comparative reports and ratings on hospitals, assessing their performance in keeping patients safe. One notable example is the Leapfrog Group, which assigns safety scores to thousands of hospitals in the United States. These scores are based on various performance measures and are presented as consumer-friendly letter grades (A, B, C, D, or F). The Leapfrog Group's website allows users to search for specific hospitals and view their safety grades. Additionally, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) offers comparative reports on hospitals, covering areas such as patient safety, cardiovascular care, emergency department care, and infections.
For those in California, Cal Hospital Compare provides ratings for hospitals in the state based on clinical quality, patient experience, and patient safety. These ratings include categories such as superior, above average, average, below average, and poor. Wisconsin residents can refer to Wisconsin CheckPoint, which reports on the quality and safety of participating acute care and specialty hospitals in the state.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) also play a crucial role in hospital quality initiatives. They work with hospitals to publicly report performance information on Care Compare on Medicare.gov and the Provider Data Catalog. This includes data on process measures, outcome measures, and patient experience surveys (HCAHPS). CMS reports over 150 hospital quality measures, allowing users to compare hospitals, nursing homes, and other care settings.
When researching hospitals, it is beneficial to utilize these dedicated hospital comparison websites and reports. These sources aggregate data from various sources, employ rigorous methodologies to ensure data integrity, and provide transparent information about patient safety and quality of care. By referring to these resources, individuals can make more informed decisions about their healthcare choices and gain insights into potential problems or areas of improvement within specific hospitals.
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Bring your own cleaning supplies, hand sanitiser, and pillowcase
Hospitals are high-traffic areas, and hospital violence is on the rise. However, there are some simple things you can do to keep yourself safe during a hospital stay.
Bringing your own cleaning supplies, hand sanitiser, and pillowcase can help to reduce your risk of infection during your time in hospital. Hospitals are busy places, and it is important to be mindful of the objects and people you come into contact with. Using hand sanitiser or washing your hands frequently can help to reduce the spread of bacteria and viruses. It is also a good idea to wipe down items in your room with your own cleaning supplies.
In addition, bringing your own pillowcase can provide peace of mind, ensuring that you are resting your head on a clean surface. This is especially important if you are staying in the hospital for an extended period.
Furthermore, it is beneficial to have easy access to all your medical information. Many hospitals have patient portals that you can access on your device, but it is also a good idea to bring paper records with you. This helps to ensure that your care team has all the necessary information to provide you with the best care.
Additionally, it is important to be proactive and know what to expect before you arrive. Research area hospitals, compare patient safety measures, and understand the care team and procedures if you are scheduling a surgery or choosing a hospital for delivery. Having a friend or family member with you can also help you understand the information you receive and take notes on your treatment.
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Ask your visitors to wash their hands before entering your room
Hospitals are high-traffic facilities and can be hotspots for the spread of infections. One of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses is to practice good hand hygiene. This is especially important for visitors who come to see you in the hospital, as they may be carrying germs from the outside without even knowing it.
Asking your visitors to wash their hands before they enter your room is a simple yet powerful way to protect yourself and others from potential harm. It only takes a few seconds, but it can make a significant difference in maintaining a safe and healthy environment for everyone involved.
- Lead by example: Wash your hands before interacting with others. This sends a subtle message about the importance of hand hygiene and may even inspire your visitors to follow suit without you having to ask directly.
- Be direct but friendly: Simply saying, "Please wash your hands before coming in; thank you!" in a pleasant tone can be effective. You can also offer a gentle reminder if they seem to have forgotten, such as, "Don't forget to wash your hands; the sink is right over there!"
- Use humour or a lighthearted approach: This can take the edge off any potential awkwardness. For example, you could say, "Doctor's orders: Wash those hands!" or "Let's keep the germs at bay—a quick hand wash before you come in!"
- Provide a foreign language excuse: If you feel uncomfortable asking directly, you could display a cute sign in a foreign language that translates to "First, wash your hands." This prompts your visitors to wash their hands without any direct confrontation.
Remember, it is your right to feel safe and comfortable during your hospital stay. Don't be afraid to speak up and advocate for your health and well-being. Your visitors should understand and respect your request for them to wash their hands.
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Keep your health care team informed about your medication and any allergies
Keeping your healthcare team informed about your medication and any allergies is crucial for your safety in the hospital. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to help you achieve this:
Firstly, it is essential to inform your healthcare providers about every prescription medication, over-the-counter medicine, and supplement you are taking. This includes informing them of any allergies or unusual reactions you have experienced in the past. Be sure to provide this information accurately and proactively. You can carry a list of your medications and allergies with you at all times to ensure easy access. Additionally, ask your pharmacist about a medicine wallet card, which can help you keep an updated list handy.
It is also important to confirm your identity using two forms of ID before any procedure or medication administration. This helps ensure that the healthcare team has accurate information about you. If you believe they have any inaccurate information, be sure to voice your concerns immediately. Ask questions and seek clarifications if needed, and don't hesitate to ask again if you don't understand their answers.
Stay familiar with your nursing unit and the healthcare team members involved in your care. Get to know them, and don't hesitate to ask about unfamiliar equipment or procedures. This familiarity fosters better communication and helps you feel more comfortable speaking up about your medication and allergies.
Additionally, take an active role in your medication management. Understand your medication routine, including the exact dose and timing of each medication. Double-check this information with your pharmacist, and follow their instructions precisely. Keep medications in their original containers when not in use, as the labels contain crucial information such as the medicine name, dosage, clinician's name, expiration date, storage instructions, and side effects.
Remember, your healthcare team is there to support you. Don't be afraid to voice any questions or concerns about your care, medication, or allergies. Their goal is to provide you with the best possible care, and keeping them informed is a critical aspect of achieving that goal.
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Request copies of after-care instructions and discharge paperwork
At the end of your hospital stay, you will receive an after-visit summary (AVS) that details your discharge instructions and explains how to care for yourself and continue your recovery. This will include a list of medications you need to take and how to take them. Your nurse will go over these points with you before you leave, but it is important to request copies of these after-care instructions and any additional paperwork.
Having copies of your discharge paperwork will help you to remember the instructions and continue your recovery at home. You should also take these documents to your follow-up appointments with your doctors after leaving the hospital. This will help to keep your primary care practitioner up to date on your condition and ensure they have all the information they need. It is recommended that you make a follow-up appointment for one week after discharge, unless otherwise directed.
Your discharge paperwork will also outline the type of care you will need, what to look for if your condition changes, and when to call for help. It is important that you, as well as any family members or friends assisting you, understand these details. Additionally, make sure you know how to operate any equipment or devices that are going home with you.
You may also receive a patient satisfaction survey following your hospital stay. Completing this survey will allow you to provide feedback and help the hospital improve patient care.
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Frequently asked questions
Research area hospitals and compare them on measures of patient safety, such as infection rates and mortality rates. Understand what to expect by reading online reviews and recommendations, and if possible, schedule a visit to the hospital before your procedure.
Make sure your basic info is up-to-date online, or bring paper records with you to the hospital. Gaps in health information can delay care.
Ask your health care team any questions or voice any concerns you have about your care. Tell your nurse if you feel that your pain level is not being controlled properly and inform them about any allergies or unusual reactions you have had to medication in the past. Wash your hands frequently and ask staff and visitors if they have washed or sanitized their hands before they come into contact with you.
Talk to your physician or nurse before leaving. It is also important to follow your health care team's instructions regarding walking or using equipment to help prevent fall injuries.
Make sure you understand and follow your discharge instructions. If you can't afford the medication on your discharge instructions, tell your nurse, who may be able to help you find more affordable options.
