Claire Dawson
Staying safe in the hospital is paramount, and there are several ways to ensure this. It is important to be involved in your care by asking about treatments, medicines, and ways to stay safe and comfortable. Patients should not be afraid to speak up and ask questions, as this can increase their odds of staying healthy. Preventing infections is also crucial, and hand hygiene is essential for this. Keeping yourself moving, where possible, is another way to stay safe, as it can reduce recovery time post-hospitalisation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Movement | Keep moving unless there is a medical reason not to. |
| Infections | Prevent infections by frequently washing your hands and asking visitors to do the same. Ask about removing catheters and IVs. |
| Smoking | Do not smoke or use tobacco products. |
| Vaccinations | Stay up-to-date on your vaccines. |
| Knowledge | Know your medicines and treatments. Ask questions and speak up if something doesn't seem right. |
| Advocate | Have an advocate or helper to support you and ensure your needs are met. |
| Discharge | Ask for a discharge summary to give to your primary care provider. |
| Masks | Wear a facemask that covers your nose and mouth. |
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What You'll Learn
- Wash your hands often and ask visitors to do the same
- Ask questions and speak up if you're unsure or need something explained
- Don't smoke or use tobacco products. Ask your doctor about quitting
- Keep moving, unless you're unable to for medical reasons
- Ask for a discharge summary to give to your primary care provider
Wash your hands often and ask visitors to do the same
One of the most important things you can do to stay safe in the hospital is to wash your hands frequently and encourage your visitors to do the same. Hand-washing is a simple yet highly effective way to prevent infections, which are a common risk in hospitals. On average, almost 2,000 people a day pick up an infection during a hospital stay.
You can reduce your risk of infection by washing your hands regularly with soap and water, and by using hand sanitiser, especially after touching surfaces or objects that may be contaminated. Keep a bottle of hand sanitiser near your bed for easy access. Ask your visitors to wash their hands with soap and water or use hand sanitiser before they enter your room. This simple action can make a significant difference in preventing the spread of germs and keeping you safe.
In addition to hand hygiene, be mindful of other infection control measures. For example, ask your doctor about the necessity of catheters or IVs, as these can be entry points for bacteria. Inquire about your vaccination status, especially for the flu and pneumococcal vaccines, and learn about the symptoms of sepsis. By being proactive and informed, you can further reduce your risk of infection.
Remember, you are an important part of your healthcare team. Don't be afraid to speak up and ask questions. Your visitors can also play a role in your safety by advocating for you and ensuring your needs are met. By following these hand hygiene practices and staying vigilant, you can significantly enhance your safety during your hospital stay.
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Ask questions and speak up if you're unsure or need something explained
Staying in a hospital can be an intimidating experience, and it is easy to feel like your concerns are not being heard or that you are being a nuisance by asking questions. However, asking questions and speaking up if you are unsure or need something explained is one of the most important things you can do to ensure your safety in a hospital.
You are an expert on your body, and your healthcare team wants you to be involved in your care. Ask about treatments, medicines, and ways to stay safe and comfortable during your stay. For example, ask about the medicines you will be taking, the tests or procedures that will be performed, and why they are being done. If you are worried about a symptom or side effect, let your care team know. Ask about your discharge plan and for a summary to give to your primary care provider. This will include instructions for when you get home, what to do if you develop new symptoms, and who to call if problems arise.
If you are unsure about something, ask for clarification. If you are uncertain about a diagnosis or treatment, speak up. For instance, if you are concerned about a potential infection, ask about the necessity of catheters or IVs and if they can be removed. Ask your doctor if you are up to date on your vaccines and learn about the symptoms of sepsis.
Don't be afraid to advocate for yourself. If you feel like you are not being listened to or your wishes are not being respected, continue to speak up. It is your health and your body, and you deserve to be treated with respect and compassion. Write down questions as you think of them, and don't be afraid to ask for help from caregivers, family members, or other supporters if needed.
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Don't smoke or use tobacco products. Ask your doctor about quitting
If you are a smoker, it is important to abstain from tobacco use while in the hospital. No-smoking policies are mandated in all U.S. hospitals, prohibiting smoking inside the hospital or on hospital grounds. This includes all tobacco and vape products, such as cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes, and vape pens. Patients who don't smoke often recover more quickly, and abstaining from tobacco use while hospitalized can be a strong predictor of continued abstinence after discharge.
If you are experiencing cigarette cravings or nicotine withdrawal symptoms, talk to your doctor or nurse about quitting. They can provide support and resources to help you quit smoking. It is important to be honest with your healthcare team about your smoking habits so they can offer appropriate assistance.
Additionally, hospitals often have resources to help their staff remain tobacco-free during work hours. If you are a hospital employee, reach out to your supervisor or human resources department to learn about the tobacco-free policies and support available to you.
Remember, there are no safe levels of secondhand smoke, and exposure can pose risks to others. By quitting smoking, you not only benefit your health but also contribute to a healthier environment for those around you.
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Keep moving, unless you're unable to for medical reasons
Staying in a hospital often means spending a lot of time in bed, but getting up and moving around is an important part of your recovery. This is known as "patient mobilization", which refers to a patient being as mobile or able to move as much as possible. For every day spent in bed, it may take four to five days of movement recovery after leaving the hospital. So, if you're able to, try to get up and move around.
If you're unable to walk, there are still ways to keep mobile. You can try doing exercises in bed, such as moving your legs and rotating your feet at the ankles while lying down. You can also ask your doctor about compression devices or leg pumps to help blood flow in your legs and feet. Nursing staff, including nursing assistants and mobility assistants, can help patients move in and out of bed. Hospital staff are trained to move medical devices to accommodate patients who want to move around. For example, an IV bag can be placed on a pole with wheels, or an oxygen tank can be pulled by staff while a patient walks around.
If you are able to get out of bed, you can take a stroll in the hallways or sit in a chair. If you need to stay close to your room, you can take short walks, such as to the bathroom and back. If you need assistance walking, staff can provide you with a walker with wheels, and a gait belt for added safety.
Moving after surgery is often preferred, and your doctor will tell you if you should not be moving. Getting mobile can even help you get discharged sooner, as it strengthens your body and improves your ability to recover at home instead of a therapy facility.
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Ask for a discharge summary to give to your primary care provider
A hospital stay can be overwhelming, and it is easy to lose track of your treatment plan and progress. Asking for a discharge summary to give to your primary care provider is a great way to ensure continuity of care and keep track of your health journey.
A discharge summary is a clinical report prepared by a health professional after a hospital stay or series of treatments. It is a valuable tool that reflects on your treatment journey, including what went well and what could have been improved. This summary will include details such as the reason for your hospitalisation, significant findings or primary diagnoses, procedures and treatments provided, and your discharge condition. It is important to note that this summary should also contain instructions for your ongoing care, such as any medications, activity orders, therapy orders, or dietary instructions. These instructions are crucial for your recovery and can help prevent complications.
Additionally, the discharge summary serves as a legal document and provides legal protection to your healthcare providers. It ensures that proper protocols were followed and informed decisions were made. This document can be crucial in establishing that professional standards were met and can protect your healthcare providers in the event of legal disputes.
Asking for a discharge summary is not just beneficial for your primary care provider but also for yourself. It provides clarity about your treatment process and helps you understand your health status at discharge. With this information, you can actively participate in your recovery process and be aware of any symptoms or changes to look out for. Furthermore, should you need to transition to a new healthcare provider or facility, the discharge summary ensures a smooth transition by providing a detailed history of your treatment.
Remember, you are an important part of your healthcare team, and staying informed about your treatment plan is essential for your well-being. Don't hesitate to ask your healthcare providers for a discharge summary before you leave the hospital. It is your right to receive this information, and it can make a significant impact on your overall health outcome.
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Frequently asked questions
Wash your hands frequently and ask everyone who comes into your room to do the same. Keep hand sanitiser near your bed and ask your doctor if you are up-to-date on your vaccines.
Ask questions and speak up if something doesn't seem right. Make sure to write down questions as you think of them. It's your health, so be involved in your care and don't be afraid to advocate for yourself.
Ask for a discharge summary to give to your primary care provider. This will include instructions for what to do when you get home, what symptoms to look out for, and who to call if any problems arise.
Keep moving as much as possible, unless there is a medical reason why you can't. Don't smoke or use other tobacco products, and ask your nurse how soon you can safely get out of bed. If you need to wear a facemask, make sure it covers your nose and mouth.
