The nature of health care in the United States requires that you as a patient, or your advocates, participate in your care in order to maximize your chances for a good healing experience.

In order to maximize your time in a hospital:

• Do what you can to avoid infections and medical error.
• Learn what is supposed to happen on a day-to-day basis and overall..
• Review your daily nursing schedule.
• Become acquainted with the staff.
• Have guests.
• Get the care you need when you need it.
• Keep in touch with your primary care physician.
• Take steps to permit sleep.
• Know your rights.
• Do not put up with unnecessary pain.
• Complain when you don't get what you need.
• If you are going to have surgery, do what you can to prevent surgical error.
• Understand the common words professionals use in a hospital.
• Think about how you look.
• Ask for spirituality care if you want it.
• Do what you can to avoid identity theft.
• If you are hearing or vision impaired, or if english is not your first language, ask for help.
• Execute a Living Will and consider other Advance Directives.

To make life easier when you return home, start planning for life after you are let go ("discharged") from the hospital.. 

Please share how this information is useful to you. 0 Comments