The Ins and Outs of Being Hospitalized: Preparing as Best You Can
October 15, 2007
Being hospitalized can be a difficult experience. A lot happens in a short amount of time: tests, procedures, medications, and people…many people. I recently met with Dr. Matt Press, a resident physician at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, to discuss this topic. Here are 5 tips we came up with to help you—and your family—navigate the ins and outs of being admitted to the hospital.
1. Bring a buddy
It’s a good idea to have a "buddy" (such as a family member or close friend) with you as often as possible while you’re in the hospital. While you’re focused on getting better, your buddy is there as an extra set of eyes and ears. Your buddy is your advocate, which means he or she can talk things over with you and be a source of support.
2. Be alert and aware
Ask a lot of questions and pay close attention to the answers. You should be told what tests you are having and why, what medications you are being given, and what the overall plan is for your care.
3. Keep a paper and pen by your bed
If questions come to mind and the medical team has already made its morning rounds, you can jot them down to ask the next time. Just as important is to write down the answers. This will help you keep track of your care, including medications and tests.
4. Know the people…the many people
You will meet many people over the course of your hospitalization, and it’s helpful to have some idea of who’s who. In general, there are doctors, nurses, and support staff. The doctors are typically divided into a primary team (which is based on what your medical condition is) and consulting teams (which may be asked by the primary team to help with a specific aspect of your care). Each of these teams may have different doctors, and—if you’re at a teaching hospital—these doctors may be at different stages of training. Remember that the "attending" is the leader of the team and has the most experience. Nurses give medications and frequently assess how you’re doing. The support staff includes nursing assistants, pharmacists, social workers, physical therapists, and others who are trained to perform specific tests (such as x-rays).
5. Bring comforts from home
With its thin mattresses, cold temperatures, and noisy hallways, the hospital can be uncomfortable. Add to that the stress of being sick…and being hospitalized can make you downright homesick. To help, bring a pillow, a book or magazine, and a toothbrush. These items from home will start you off on your way to a speedy recovery!
Have you ever been admitted to the hospital? Share with us the strategies you used to help deal with the experience.
Related Links:
Communicate More Effectively With Your Health Care Professionals
Comments
You can follow this conversation by subscribing to the comment feed for this post.
I've been hospitalized a couple of times as well, and I agree with all of the comments listed above.
I'd add that the patient must be their own advocate. Do the research before the emergency happens, and find out what's the best hospital around you. Especially look at hospital-borne infection rates and nurse-to-patient ratios (the lower the better for both).
Also don't be scared to ask what special training or credentialing your doctor has had.
And finally, don't be afraid to ask questions of your medical team. They won't be offended, and will appreciate your active role in your care.
Posted by: Mary Jezior | February 05, 2008 at 11:02 AM
Great Article. As a cystic fibrosis patient who makes frequent trips to the hospital I would add some tips.
1. Bring something to do: if your not sure how long you'll be in: bring your computer, a book, whatever it may be to help pass along time.
2. To the be alert and aware / pen and paper
Having a medical notebook has been very helpful for me to keep track of everything going on and that has happened in the past. Keep a log of your current medications. Know what your taking and why you are taking it. The most frequent mistakes in medical care (and I go to a world class facility where mistakes are made each time) happen the first night or 24 hrs of care, and usually have to do with incorrect medications or dosage. It helps to be informed.
3. Bringing comforts from home
Bringing a small fan helps reduce the sounds of machines and wailing people around me. Also, things that you may want to have on handy they do not supply at the hospital: deodorant, decent women hygiene products, razors/gel. The socks are always nice.
4. Find out about parking discounts at the front desk. If your husband is a clergy member and gets a clergy card, you can park for free!!
5. If you hate hospital food, you can always order TO GO! :) find some local menus.
Tricia L.
(I could write a book on hospital stays)
Posted by: Tricia | October 21, 2007 at 02:06 PM
Great Article. As a cystic fibrosis patient who makes frequent trips to the hospital I would add some tips.
1. Bring something to do: if your not sure how long you'll be in: bring your computer, a book, whatever it may be to help pass along time.
2. To the be alert and aware / pen and paper
Having a medical notebook has been very helpful for me to keep track of everything going on and that has happened in the past. Keep a log of your current medications. Know what your taking and why you are taking it. The most frequent mistakes in medical care (and I go to a world class facility where mistakes are made each time) happen the first night or 24 hrs of care, and usually have to do with incorrect medications or dosage. It helps to be informed.
3. Bringing comforts from home
Bringing a small fan helps reduce the sounds of machines and wailing people around me. Also, things that you may want to have on handy they do not supply at the hospital: deodorant, decent women hygiene products, razors/gel. The socks are always nice.
4. Find out about parking discounts at the front desk. If your husband is a clergy member and gets a clergy card, you can park for free!!
5. If you hate hospital food, you can always order TO GO! :) find some local menus.
Tricia L.
(I could write a book on hospital stays)
Posted by: Tricia | October 21, 2007 at 02:05 PM