Monday, March 19, 2012
Proactive patients can add to the hospital experience
• You might wonder why staff keeps asking your name and date of birth over and over again. This is to ensure that the right medication or procedure is given to the right patient and in the proper fashion. Be patient with this process, and know that it is our way of ensuring accuracy.
• You might not be yourself when you are hospitalized. Don’t be embarrassed or feel like you are bothering anyone – ask for help getting up or going to the bathroom if you feel unsteady.
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions of your nurses, physicians or other members of the healthcare team. We encourage you to do so.
• Our staff is vigilant about washing their hands between every patient. If you do not see this being done, please ask your healthcare provider if he or she has done so. In addition, make sure that your wash their hands and be sure to advise them that if they are not feeling well to avoid visiting the hospital. All of this helps prevent the spread of infections and other sicknesses.
• Keep an updated list of your medications and dosages, including over-the-counter medicines and herbal supplements. Try to use one pharmacy.
• Remember, most hospitals have a patient advocate. If you suspect something is wrong, or your visit is not going the way you would like, contact the patient advocate to help you.
While no one wants to go to the hospital, we want to make sure that your stay is the best it can be. Working together we can achieve this goal, and hopefully make you happier and healthier in the process.
Lauren Mallozzi is the Director of Patient Experience and Service Excellence at The William W. Backus Hospital. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your personal physician. If you want to comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Ms. Mallozzi or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org
