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Ways You Can Help With Your Care |
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Brochures |
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Here are some things you can do to ensure a safe hospital
stay for you or your family:
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Make sure you understand all
aspects of your illness or medical treatment.
- Know why you are having tests.
- Write down important questions and answers. Ask for information
in writing that you can keep.
- Read all medical forms and make sure you understand them before
you sign anything.
Don’t be afraid to tell the doctor or nurse if something doesn’t seem
quite right.
- All healthcare workers should introduce themselves to you and
wear an ID badge.
- All healthcare workers should wash their hands before they
touch you.
Ask about safety. If you are having surgery or an invasive procedure,
make sure the doctor marks the area so there is no confusion.
Let your doctor or nurse know if a friend or family member is
going to help make your healthcare decisions.
- Ask this person to speak up for you if you are unable to speak for
yourself.
- Make sure this person understands your wishes about resuscitation
and life support.
Nurses check and double check medications before they are given.
However, you can do things to help with your care.
- Bring a list of your current medications with you to the hospital.
Be sure to include any herbal medications or vitamins you are taking.
- Tell your doctor or nurse if you have any allergies.
- Make sure your doctor or nurse checks your wristband before
giving you medication.
Each time a new medication is prescribed, make sure the
doctor or nurse answers the following questions:
- What are brand and generic names for this medication?
- Why am I taking this medication?
- What does the medication look like?
- How much should I get and how often?
- Does this medication have any side effects? What should I do
if they occur?
- Does this medication interact with other medications or with food?
More medication information
If a nurse replaces an IV solution or gives you a different medication,
ask what it is for. For example, if the nurse gives you a red tablet and it
is usually green, ask what it is for and if it is for you. Usually the reason
for a different color is simple. Brand-name and generic medications
often have different shapes and colors. By asking questions when you
are unsure, you can prevent a medication error.
Know what time of day you normally receive your medication. Let the
nurse know if you think you have missed a dose. If you have an IV, tell
the nurse if it does not seem to be dripping properly.
Before you leave the hospital, ask your doctor or nurse about
follow-up care.
- When should I see my doctor again?
- Do I need to see any other health care providers or have any
lab work?
- What medications do I take and when should I take them?
- Is there anything special I should do to take care of myself?
- Are there any symptoms I should know about?
Thank you for choosing Cooley Dickinson Hospital and for
being a partner in your care.
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