Hospital stays can be daunting, often bringing anxiety and stress. Between unfamiliar surroundings, medical jargon, and the stress of recovery, it’s easy to feel out of control. But your safety and comfort matter just as much as your treatment.
While the medical team will provide care, there are simple steps you can take to boost your safety and ease your stress. Being proactive is the best thing you can do to improve your experience. Here are five practical strategies to make your hospital stay safer and less stressful.
1. Ask for Help if You Don’t Understand
Medical phrases and tests can be confusing. Doctors and nurses use specific language that might not be clear to everyone. Don’t hesitate to ask them to explain things in a way you can easily understand.
Research indicates that hospitals aren’t as safe as they could be. A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine shows that preventable medical errors are common in hospitals. About 22.7% of all adverse complications were preventable. Specifically, 6.8% of all admissions experienced a preventable adverse event, while 1% encountered a serious or life-threatening preventable accident.
These events highlight the importance of patients actively understanding their care to ensure their safety. If something is unclear, speak up. It is acceptable to ask for clarification, even if you think it’s a simple question. By making sure you understand your condition, treatment plan, and any instructions, you become an active participant in your care. This understanding can significantly reduce anxiety.
Feel free to ask your healthcare provider to repeat or rephrase information until you are comfortable. Having a loved one present during important conversations can also be helpful. They can listen, take notes, and ask queries you might overlook. Remember, you have the right to know what is happening with your health.
2. Track Your Medications
Keeping track of your medications is key during your hospital stay. Upon admission, ensure you provide the medical team with all the medications you take at home, including their frequency and dosages. When you receive medication in the hospital, don’t hesitate to ask what it is and why you are receiving it.
Confirm the name and dosage with the nurse before you consume it. It ensures you receive the intended medication. If you’re taking new or experimental medications, ask for their side effects. Similar to medications, you should also understand the medical devices used during your treatment. The recent Bair Hugger lawsuit updates brought attention to the significance of being aware of the technology used in medical procedures.
The lawsuit alleges that 3M’s Bair Hugger warming blanket can cause severe infections. According to TruLaw, patients undergoing joint replacement surgeries are particularly at risk due to the blanket’s alleged design defect. The defect may release bacteria onto the operated surfaces. While the safety of the device was defended by its manufacturer, this case emphasizes the importance for patients to be informed.
Ask questions about all aspects of their medical care, including the devices used. Keep a simple record of any new medications or changes to your existing medications while in the hospital.
3. Understand Your Fall Risk
Hospitals have programs to help prevent falls. When you are admitted, the staff will likely assess your risk factors. These factors can include your age, medical conditions, and any medications you are taking. Be sure to tell the nurses and doctors if you have any history of falls or if you feel unsteady on your feet.
If you need to get out of bed, especially after taking medication, or if you feel weak, always call for assistance. Don’t try to get up on your own if you feel unsteady. Keep essentials like your phone, call button, and water within easy reach. It can also prevent you from having to stretch or move in a way that could lead to a fall.
4. Move Around if You Can
If your medical condition allows, move around a little during your hospital stay. Lying in bed too long weakens muscles. After a day of immobility, it takes days to regain strength. Even gentle movement can be beneficial. Getting out of bed and walking around (with assistance if needed) can help prevent complications like blood clots and pneumonia.
Getting out of bed (when permitted) does more than fight boredom. A 2023 study involving over 80,000 individuals suggests that higher physical activity levels reduce the risk of hospitalization. Researchers used the national hospital admissions data for the 25 most common reasons for hospitalization. The research included conditions like iron deficiency anemia, colon polyps, and urinary tract infections.
They found that moderate-to-vigorous exercise helped reduce the risk of hospitalization for nine of the 25 medical conditions. Of course, you should check with your doctor or nurse before you start moving, especially if you just had surgery or are feeling unwell. They can advise you on what level of activity is safe for you. If you can’t get out of bed, simple exercises like wiggling your toes and ankles or doing gentle arm stretches can help with circulation.
5. Don’t Rush Into Getting a Discharge
Know your rights regarding discharge timing. You can request a formal review if you feel you’re being discharged too soon. U.S. News & World Report reveals hospitals are under pressure to release patients as soon as possible. Reasons include insurance reimbursement, short staffing, hospital occupancy limitations, or hospital initiatives.
However, premature discharge raises readmission risks. Before leaving, ask:
“What changes if we wait one more day?”
“Can I review my follow-up care plan?”
Demand written instructions. Verbal directions can be forgotten. Understand your discharge plan, confirm appointment dates, medication lists, and emergency symptoms to watch for. If you experience issues with your care, don’t hesitate to speak to your doctor or nurses immediately. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, you can also reach out to a hospital social worker for help.
For concerns about Medicare provider care quality, contact your state’s Beneficiary and Family-Centered Care Quality Improvement Organization (BFCC-QIO). You can also file a complaint with the Joint Commission if you have problems, like getting the wrong medication. You have the right to discuss your concerns and ensure you feel prepared to continue your recovery at home.
People Also Ask
Q1. What should I pack for a hospital stay to stay organized?
Bring your identification, insurance papers, a list of active medications (with doses), and emergency contacts. Include comfort items like a phone charger, non-slip slippers, and a notebook to track questions or symptoms. Avoid valuables; hospitals aren’t responsible for lost items.
Q2. What should I do if I feel sick after discharge?
Contact your hospital’s 24/7 helpline or visit urgent care if symptoms worsen. Review discharge paperwork for specific warning signs like irregular heartbeat or breathing issues and act promptly. Keep your doctor’s contact details accessible. For unresolved concerns, escalate to your state’s patient advocacy group.
Q3. Who should I contact if I have concerns about my hospital care?
If you have immediate concerns, speak directly with your doctor or nurse. You can also ask to talk to a hospital social worker or a patient advocate. They must help address your questions and ensure you receive appropriate care.
Your hospital stay shouldn’t leave you feeling powerless. By asking questions, staying mobile, and double-checking details, you take charge of your safety. Remember, you’re not “difficult” for speaking up; you’re smart. Pack a notepad to track medications, bring non-slip slippers, and trust your instincts. With these steps, you’ll confidently navigate your stay and leave healthier than you arrived.