Logan Reid
Hospitals can be dangerous places, with high infection rates and the possibility of medical errors. To protect yourself during a hospital visit, it's important to be proactive and prepared. Before your visit, it's a good idea to prepare a kit with important medical and personal information, including a list of medications, allergies, and contact information for your healthcare providers. During your visit, it's crucial to maintain good hygiene, such as regularly washing your hands and asking others to do the same. You should also be vigilant about your medication and treatment, keeping a detailed list of your medicines and asking questions about your care. Having an advocate or helper to support you during your stay can also help ensure your needs are met and that you have someone to speak up for you if necessary.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prepare a kit | Include a list of medications, dosages, diseases, allergies, and healthcare providers' contact information. Add any supporting legal documents, such as a living will or power of attorney. |
| Assign an advocate or helper | This person can be a spouse, adult child, or parent who can make decisions on your behalf and ensure your needs are met. They can help ask questions and monitor your care. |
| Ask questions | Enquire about medicines, tests, procedures, appointments, and your discharge plan. |
| Prevent infections | Wash your hands regularly and carry hand sanitiser. Ask visitors and healthcare providers to sanitise their hands before touching you. Minimise the use of catheters and IVs to reduce the risk of infection. |
| Stay mobile | Move around, walk in the hallways, or sit in a chair to maintain strength and avoid losing muscle. Wear non-skid footwear to prevent falls. |
| Understand your treatment | Write down questions and ask about your treatment plan, medicines, and ways to stay comfortable. Request a discharge summary to know what to do when you return home. |
| Know your heart-attack risk | If you're 50 or older and undergoing surgery, assess your risk of a heart attack or stroke, and consider medication to protect your heart and prevent blood clots. |
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What You'll Learn
Prepare an information kit about your health
Preparing an information kit about your health is an important step in protecting yourself in the hospital. This kit will ensure that you have all the necessary information readily available in case of an emergency. Here are some key components to include:
Medications and Dosages
Make a comprehensive list of all your current medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and any supplements you take. Note down the dosages and the reason you are taking each medication. Keep this list updated and carry it with you at all times. This will be extremely helpful for your healthcare providers and can empower you to take charge of your health.
Medical History
Your information kit should include a detailed summary of your medical history. List any diseases, medical conditions, allergies to medications or food, immunizations, and recent test results. If you have the reports, include them in your kit, as they can provide valuable information for your treatment. Additionally, note down the names and contact information of your physicians and healthcare providers, so they can be reached promptly if needed.
Advance Directives and Decision-Maker
It is crucial to include advance directives, such as a living will or power of attorney, in your information kit. These documents outline your wishes and preferences for medical care in case you become unable to make decisions for yourself. Designate a trusted person, such as a spouse, adult child, or parent, to be your decision-maker and include their contact information. Ensure they are aware of your wishes and have access to any relevant legal documents.
Emergency Contacts
Provide a list of emergency contacts, including phone numbers of close relatives or friends who can be reached in case of an emergency. It is also beneficial to have a support system of family and friends who can provide emotional support and advocacy during your hospital stay.
Personal Care Items and Comforts
While hospitals provide basic necessities, bringing your own personal care items can greatly enhance your comfort. Pack comfortable clothing, including loose-fitting outfits, a robe, and slippers. Don't forget your toiletries, such as a toothbrush, deodorant, and shampoo. If you have specific dietary needs, pack non-perishable, doctor-approved snacks. Also, consider including items for relaxation, such as a prayer book or photographs, to help ease the stress of hospitalization.
Remember, this kit is tailored to your health and personal needs. Feel free to add or modify items to ensure you have all the information and comforts necessary for your hospital stay.
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Ask questions about your treatment
Asking questions about your treatment is a crucial aspect of protecting yourself in the hospital. It is essential to be proactive and well-informed about your healthcare. Here are some suggestions on how to effectively inquire about your treatment:
Prepare a list of questions in advance:
Write down your questions as you think of them. By preparing a list of questions before your appointment or hospital stay, you can ensure that you cover all the topics that are important to you. This can include questions about your diagnosis, treatment options, potential risks, and alternatives. It is also beneficial to write down the answers you receive, enabling you to refer back to them later and helping healthcare professionals be more attentive and detailed in their explanations.
Inquire about medications:
Ask questions about any medications you are taking or will be prescribed during your hospital stay. Understand the purpose of each medication, the dosage, potential side effects, and any interactions with other medications or supplements you are taking. Keep a detailed list of all your medications, including dosages and reasons for taking them, and provide this information to your healthcare team. This proactive approach can help prevent medication errors and ensure your safety.
Understand tests and procedures:
Question the purpose of any tests or procedures that will be performed during your hospital stay. Ask about the benefits, risks, and alternatives. Understand the recovery process and what to expect after the procedure. This knowledge will enable you to give informed consent and make informed decisions about your care.
Discuss your care team:
Ask about the healthcare providers who will be involved in your care during your hospital stay. This includes understanding the roles of different specialists, nurses, and support staff. Knowing who is responsible for your care at each stage can help you feel more confident and assured.
Advocate for your comfort and safety:
Inquire about ways to stay comfortable and safe during your hospital stay. For example, ask about fall prevention measures, infection control practices, and pain management options. Your comfort and safety are essential for your well-being and recovery.
Remember, it is your health, and you have the right to be involved in your care. Do not hesitate to speak up and ask questions. You can also assign a helper or advocate, such as a family member or friend, to assist you during your hospital stay. They can help ensure your needs are met, ask questions on your behalf, and support you in understanding your treatment.
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Prevent infections by washing your hands
Hospitals are a hotbed of germs and infections, and it is essential to take precautions to protect yourself. One of the simplest and most effective ways to do this is to practice good hand hygiene.
Washing your hands regularly is a basic yet powerful tool in preventing the spread of germs and reducing your risk of infection. Wash your hands with soap and water frequently, especially before and after eating, after using the restroom, and after coughing, sneezing, or touching surfaces. If soap and water are not readily available, use hand sanitizer. Additionally, keep a bottle of hand sanitizer near your bed for easy access.
It is not just about your own handwashing, but also ensuring that those around you are doing the same. Ask everyone who comes into your room, including medical staff and visitors, to wash their hands before they touch you or any surfaces close to you. This simple request can significantly reduce the spread of germs and lower your risk of infection.
You can also take responsibility for your safety by being proactive. Keep a list of your medications, dosages, and any allergies, and ensure the hospital staff is aware of this information. Ask questions about your treatment and be involved in your care. By being informed and proactive, you can help ensure that you receive the best care and reduce the risk of medical errors.
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Know your medicines and keep a list
Knowing your medicines and keeping a list is an important step in protecting yourself in the hospital. It is a simple yet effective measure that can help you take responsibility for your safety. Here are some tips to help you achieve this:
Firstly, prepare a kit or an index card that contains a list of all your medications, including dosages and reasons for taking them. This card should be kept with you at all times and regularly updated. When a nurse or doctor asks about your medications, you can simply hand them the card, avoiding the pressure of having to recall under stress. This also ensures that you provide accurate and up-to-date information.
In addition to your medications, the kit should include other vital medical and personal information. This includes any diseases or medical conditions you have, allergies to medications or food, and the names and contact information of your physicians and healthcare providers. You may also include any supporting or legal documents, such as a living will or power of attorney, in your kit. By having this kit ready, you can ensure that your medical team has access to comprehensive information about your health, enabling them to make informed decisions during your hospital stay.
During your hospital stay, it is crucial to stay vigilant about the medicines you are given. Make sure the hospital staff is aware of all the medicines and natural health products you usually take. Every time someone administers medication, ensure they first check your hospital ID bracelet to confirm that you are receiving the correct medicine and the right dose. Ask about any potential side effects and follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
Finally, it is important to be proactive and involved in your care. Ask questions about the treatments and medicines you are receiving, and don't hesitate to express any concerns or discomfort. You can also request copies of your test results and medical records to better understand your body and health status. By actively participating in your care, you can empower yourself and work collaboratively with your healthcare team to optimize your treatment plan.
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Stay mobile to avoid losing strength
Staying mobile and active while in the hospital is crucial to avoid losing strength and to promote recovery. Research has shown that for every day spent in a hospital bed, it may take up to four to five days of movement recovery after discharge. Older adults who remain mostly in bed during their hospital stay are 34 times more likely to succumb and six times more likely to require nursing home care post-discharge compared to those who move around at least twice a day.
To maintain your strength and mobility, it is essential to keep moving. If you are able to walk, take strolls in the hospital hallways or simply get out of bed and sit in a chair. If you are unable to walk, there are exercises that can be done from your bed or a chair, such as moving your legs and ankles while lying down. You can also ask your doctor about compression devices or leg pumps to improve blood flow while you are immobile.
Hospitals are recognising the importance of mobility with initiatives such as "Mobility Optimizes Virtually Everything" (MOVE), where patients are given personalised mobility goals reviewed daily by nurses and aides. This not only helps prevent muscle loss and weakness but also reduces the risk of falls and injuries.
Remember, it is always important to consult with your medical team before increasing your activity levels, especially if you have specific medical concerns or conditions.
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Frequently asked questions
Hospitals are hotbeds of infection. You can protect yourself by washing your hands regularly and asking everyone around you, including medical staff and visitors, to do the same before they touch you. Ask every healthcare provider who touches you if they have washed their hands. You should also ask about getting an antibiotic one hour before surgery.
Make a list of questions ahead of time and speak up. Don't be embarrassed or intimidated. If you don't know, ask. Don't let the healthcare provider leave your room until you have the answers to your questions. Ask about the drugs you are given before you take them. Check your blood sugar levels if you have diabetes. Ask to read your chart each day to be sure that your blood tests look good and your recovery is going well.
Hospitals can be dangerous places, with falls being a significant problem. If you need to get out of bed, call a nurse by pressing your call button and get up slowly. Wear non-skid socks, slippers, or shoes that won't slip. If you can, have someone with you all the time who knows your wishes. Identify a person you trust to make decisions on your behalf in case you are too sick to make them yourself.
