Hailey Tran
Staying in a hospital can be stressful, and it is completely normal to feel sad, anxious, or depressed about it. Preparing for your hospital stay can help alleviate some of these negative feelings. Before going to the hospital, it is important to have a kit with all your important medical and personal information, including a list of medications, allergies, and contact information for your physicians. Additionally, you should bring all your current medications and supplements and inform your care team about any allergies or changes to your medication. Having an advocate or helper who can be with you during your hospital stay can be beneficial. They can ensure your needs are met, provide support, and help ask questions and gather information. To stay safe in the hospital, it is crucial to prevent infections by practicing good hand hygiene and regularly asking about the necessity of catheters or IVs. Finally, staying active during your hospital stay, to the extent possible, is important to maintain your strength and prevent prolonged recovery times.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prepare a kit | Include important medical and personal information, such as a list of medications, allergies, and contact information for physicians and health care providers. |
| Have an advocate or helper | Someone who can be with you during your stay, help you interact with the medical team, and ensure your needs are met. |
| Ask questions | Inquire about medicines, tests, procedures, and appointments. |
| Keep moving | Prevent weakness and loss of strength by walking in the hallways or sitting in a chair. |
| Prevent infections | Wash hands frequently and ask about the necessity of catheters and IVs. |
| Request a discharge summary | Obtain instructions for post-hospital care, including follow-up appointments and symptoms to monitor. |
| Prepare meals in advance | Cook or buy frozen meals to ensure easy access to food upon returning home. |
| Transportation | Arrange transportation to the hospital and give yourself ample time to arrive. |
| Support system | Have a family member or friend accompany you to the hospital for support. |
| Stay active and entertained | Set realistic goals and engage in activities such as watching movies, reading, or doing puzzles to combat boredom and low mood. |
| Recognize achievements | Acknowledge and feel proud of your daily accomplishments, no matter how small. |
| Express emotions | Talk to someone if you feel sad, low, or depressed. |
| Understand the hospital environment | Familiarize yourself with your hospital room, call button, and vital signs monitoring. |
| Admissions process | Provide information and complete necessary paperwork upon arrival. |
| Medication safety | Bring all your current medications and supplements for review by the medical team. |
| Patient safety | Take precautions to prevent falls, especially in elderly patients. |
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What You'll Learn
Prepare a kit with important medical and personal information
Preparing a kit with important medical and personal information is crucial for emergencies. Here are some detailed instructions to help you put together a comprehensive kit:
Organise Your Medical Information:
Start by gathering your medical records, which you can request from your doctor. Create a personal health record (PHR) by organising your current and past health information. This includes doctor's office visit dates, doctor's names, and any notes or test results. List any major illnesses, surgeries, hospital visits, cancer screenings, and chronic health problems such as diabetes or asthma. Don't forget to include allergies and a list of current and past medications, prescriptions, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs.
Medical History and Insurance Information:
Compile a list of your medical history, including medications, doctors' details, and insurance company information. You can use a flash drive or a physical folder to store this information. Keep copies of insurance cards, Medicare cards, and insurance payment documentation. Additionally, maintain a log of conversations with insurance representatives, including their names and contact information.
Emergency Contacts and Important Numbers:
Create a list of emergency contacts, including caregivers, family members, or friends who can be reached in case of an emergency. Include their names, relationships to you, addresses, telephone numbers, and emails. Also, add a list of important phone numbers, such as the National Poison Control Center, your doctors, and any other relevant health services or organisations.
Medications and Medical Supplies:
Ensure you have enough personal medications for your trip or hospital stay, and perhaps pack a few extra doses in case of delays. If you require specific medical supplies, such as a cane or braces, include them in your kit. If you have children, pack a two-week supply of their prescription medications and any medical care items they may need, like needles or nasal cannulas.
Storage and Accessibility:
Use inexpensive bags or cases to organise your kit. You can use nylon bags, personal kits, fanny packs, or makeup cases. Compartmentalise items using resealable sandwich or oven bags. Keep your kit easily accessible and visible, such as by the front door or in your car. If you're creating a digital record, ensure you can access it offline, and consider storing it on a USB drive or phone app as well.
Preparing this kit will ensure that you have vital information readily available in case of an emergency, helping healthcare providers make informed decisions about your treatment.
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Have an advocate to ensure your needs are met
It is important to have an advocate or helper who can be with you during your hospital stay. This person can be your spouse, an adult child, a parent, a relative, a friend, or a caregiver—someone you trust and who knows you well. They should be calm, organised, assertive, and comfortable asking questions.
Your advocate's role is to be present when you interact with your medical care team to ensure your needs are met. They can help you navigate the healthcare system, asking questions and writing down information. They can also speak up for you, helping you get the care and resources you need. You and your advocate should ask questions about your medicines, which tests or procedures will be done and why, and which appointments you will have with doctors during your stay.
If you do not have a family member or friend who can be your advocate, many hospitals provide patient advocates to assist you. Geriatric care managers, including registered nurses and social workers, often serve as health care advocates. It is also an option to hire a health care advocate, but be sure to check their qualifications.
Your advocate can also help you with your discharge plan. They should ask about this when you are preparing to be released from the hospital. The plan will include which follow-up appointments you need, how soon you need to see your primary care doctor or specialist, and if you need any other tests. Before you leave the hospital, be sure to ask for a discharge summary to give to your primary care provider.
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Prevent infections and reduce the risk of falls
Preventing infections and reducing the risk of falls are two key aspects of maintaining good health, especially in hospital settings. Here are some detailed instructions and guidelines to help you achieve both during a hospital stay:
Preventing Infections
Hospitals are filled with healthcare workers, patients, and visitors, all of whom can be sources and carriers of infections. Infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, and they can spread through various means, including the air, surfaces, and direct contact. Here are some ways to prevent infections:
- Hand Hygiene: One of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of infections is by maintaining good hand hygiene. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers, especially before eating, after using the restroom, and after touching surfaces or objects. Additionally, remind healthcare staff to clean their hands before treating you or handling medical devices.
- Vaccinations: Vaccines play a crucial role in preventing the spread of infections. Ensure that you are up to date with your vaccinations and inform your doctor if you have received any vaccinations recently.
- Pre-Hospitalization Measures: Before your hospital stay, there are several measures you can take to reduce the risk of infection. These include stopping smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, managing pre-existing conditions like diabetes, and informing your doctor of any recent illnesses or health concerns.
- Standard Precautions: Hospitals follow standard precautions, such as handwashing and the use of safety equipment like gloves, to prevent the spread of infections. If you suspect that you or someone around you has an infection, inform the hospital staff immediately so that appropriate isolation precautions can be implemented.
Reducing the Risk of Falls
Falls are a common occurrence in hospitals and can lead to physical injuries and psychological impacts. Here are some measures to reduce the risk of falls during your hospital stay:
- Risk Assessment: Hospitals should identify patients who are at a high risk of falling. If you feel unsteady on your feet or have a condition that affects your balance or mobility, inform your healthcare team so they can implement appropriate fall prevention strategies.
- Multidisciplinary Approach: A coordinated multidisciplinary clinical team approach has been shown to reduce fall incidents. This includes encouraging a culture of vigilant safety consciousness, where all staff members, regardless of their role, are involved in preventing falls and improving patient safety.
- Education: Patient and staff education can significantly reduce fall rates. Ensure that you understand your condition, any medications you are taking that may affect your balance or coordination, and any mobility aids or assistance you may require.
- Alarm Systems: While the effectiveness of movement alarms, such as bed or chair alarms, has been debated, they can still be a useful tool in some cases. These alarms alert staff when patients attempt to get up, allowing them to provide assistance and reduce the risk of falls.
- Safety Measures: Hospitals may employ various safety measures, such as assistive devices, bed signage, and routine prescription of vitamin D, to reduce fall risks. While the effectiveness of single interventions may vary, a combination of strategies tailored to individual patient needs can be beneficial.
Remember, preventing infections and reducing falls is a collaborative effort between you, the patient, and the healthcare team. Always communicate any concerns or risks you identify to the hospital staff, and work together to create a safe environment during your hospital stay.
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Ask about your discharge plan and summary
A discharge summary is a document that outlines your treatment plan after leaving the hospital. It is a crucial part of your discharge plan, which ensures a smooth transition from the hospital to your home or another care facility. Here are some detailed steps and considerations to help you understand and navigate the discharge summary and plan:
Understanding Your Discharge Summary:
- The discharge summary contains important information about your diagnosis, prescribed medications, laboratory results, and imaging results from your hospitalisation.
- You have the right to request a copy of your discharge summary and any relevant medical records. Make sure to ask the hospital for this information before you leave.
- If English is not your first language, don't hesitate to ask for language assistance. The hospital should provide translations or interpreters to ensure you understand your discharge summary.
Preparing for Your Discharge:
- Before your discharge, ask the hospital staff about the next steps in your care plan. Inquire about the timeline for communicating your care needs to outside healthcare providers. Ensure they have this information before your first follow-up appointment to guarantee seamless continuity of care.
- If you have concerns about your ability to care for yourself or a loved one after discharge, don't hesitate to voice them. Discuss your limitations and obligations, such as childcare or work commitments, with the discharge planner. They are there to help and can provide guidance and resources.
- If you feel you or your loved one is being discharged too early, you have the right to appeal the decision. Start by expressing your concerns to the discharge planner, who is often a social worker. They will take your reservations to the doctor for further evaluation.
Discharge Plan Components:
- Your discharge plan should include details such as where you will be discharged to (your home or another facility), the types of care you will need, and who will provide that care.
- The plan should be tailored to your individual needs and written in simple language. It should also include a comprehensive list of your medications, with clear instructions on dosages and usage.
- If you require specialised care, such as wound care, feeding tube management, or ventilator use, ensure you receive proper training and written instructions. Ask for video resources or links to be included in your discharge instructions if available.
- If you are returning home, evaluate your need for home healthcare. Discuss this with the hospital staff, as Medicare and insurance coverage may apply for skilled nursing, therapy, or personal care services.
- If you are transitioning to a rehabilitation facility or long-term care, ensure that the hospital coordinates with these facilities and that they have all the necessary information about your care.
Remember, the goal of discharge planning is to improve your quality of life and ensure continuity of care. Don't hesitate to ask questions, seek clarifications, and express your concerns throughout the process.
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Take care of your mental health
Taking care of your mental health is crucial, and there are several ways to do so. Firstly, recognise the signs that you may need additional support. This could include experiencing suicidal thoughts, self-harm urges, or feeling unable to take care of your basic needs. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, voluntary hospitalisation can provide stabilisation and help you develop a plan for ongoing treatment.
However, hospitalisation is not the only option. Outpatient therapy, such as attending sessions with a psychologist, psychiatrist, or clinical social worker, can also be effective. These professionals can help you manage your mental health and determine the best course of treatment.
Additionally, self-care plays a vital role in maintaining mental health. This includes engaging in physical exercise, such as a 30-minute daily walk, which can boost your mood and overall health. Consuming healthy, regular meals and staying hydrated are also important for maintaining energy and focus.
Practicing gratitude and finding healthy ways to relax, such as yoga, meditation, or listening to music, can also contribute to improving your mental health. It is important to explore different strategies and find what works best for you.
Remember, seeking help early can prevent various mental health conditions from worsening. If you are experiencing distressing symptoms, please reach out to a healthcare professional or a mental health helpline. Taking care of your mental health is essential for your overall well-being and quality of life.
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Frequently asked questions
It is important to prepare for a hospital stay by knowing what to take, making sure your commitments are taken care of, and arranging for your return home. You should also prepare a kit with important medical and personal information, including a list of your medications, allergies, and the contact information of your physicians.
It is normal to feel sad, low, or bored during a hospital stay, especially if you have been there for a long time. To help cope with these feelings, try setting realistic goals for yourself, such as getting out of bed and getting dressed, and recognize your achievements. It can also help to make a list of things to do, such as watching a funny movie, reading a book, or listening to an audiobook.
To ensure a safe hospital stay, it is important to be informed, alert, organized, and aware. Bring all your medications with you, and make sure your care team knows about any allergies or side effects you experience. Ask questions and speak up if you have any concerns. It is also important to prevent infections by washing your hands regularly and asking about the necessity of catheters or IVs.
