Communication during a hospital stay
A hospital stay can be daunting to anyone, even if you have been admitted before. Going to the hospital means your condition warrants careful monitoring and care, which will involve numerous members of the hospital staff. Do you know how to make sure you are receiving the best hospital care possible? Clearly communicating with your doctor, and the hospital staff, can help.
- If you were not clear before your admission, ask questions until you clearly understand why you have been hospitalized, what treatments and tests are planned, and what results your physician expects to see before you are released.
- Find out if you will be cared for by your physician or a hospitalist during your stay. A hospitalist is a physician who cares for patients primarily in the hospital setting.
- Many hospitals have documented your rights as a hospital patient. Ask for a copy.
- It's a good idea to complete an advance directive before your admission and make sure it is part of your medical record. The person you name in this document will be authorized to make health care decisions for you, if necessary (or if you are unable to speak for yourself).
- Find out what the medications are, what they are for, what side effects can occur, and how often they will be given. Ask about continuing medications you take for any chronic condition, such as diabetes or high blood pressure. If the person administering your medications can't answer all your questions, you have the right to talk with someone who can before taking them.
- If you are anticipating your hospital stay, for example, for the birth of a child or a planned surgical procedure, WEA Trust asks that you call us at least five days in advance of your admission. If your stay was unplanned, WEA Trust requires that you, or a hospital representative, call us within 72 hours of your admission.
- Make sure providers and nurses are sharing information about your status on a regular basis. Ask a provider new to your case to review your chart.
- If you feel concerns or problems are not being addressed by the staff, ask to speak to a supervisor immediately.
- Before your release, make sure you have written instructions and understand them about scheduling follow-up appointments with your provider, any prescriptions that need to be filled, and any specific instructions for recovery at home.
You can reduce your risk of hospital error by asking frequent questions and ensuring members of your health care team are communicating efficiently.
It’s Safe to Ask
To help members become more involved in their health care, the WEA Trust is conducting the “It’s Safe to Ask” campaign. |
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