Tips On How To Safely Survive Your Hospital Stay

Hospital Survival Guide
Tips On How To Safely Survive Your Hospital Stay

POSTED: 3:15 pm MST December 15, 2010
UPDATED: 3:26 pm MST December 15, 2010

ORLANDO, Fla. -- In the medical world, mistakes can destroy lives. According to the Institute of Medicine, medical errors kill 98 thousand hospital patients each year. Doctors say patients who do best are those who take an active role in their care.

The hospital is a place no one wants to go.

"I was scared to death to have this surgery," patient Harold Massey, told Ivanhoe.

"It was a terrifying experience," patient Shary Shreffler, said.

But soothing those fears could save your life.

"There are a lot of things you don't really appreciate until you're a patient," Ellen Menard, author of The Not So Patient Advocate, explained.

Ellen Menard has been on both sides of the hospital bed. This registered nurse and top hospital manager became a patient with a brain tumor.

"I've had two brain surgeries and radiation within a year and a half," Menard said.

During recovery, she realized her insider knowledge of the system kept her safe. Her top behind the scenes tip?

"What time do you change shifts? Ask that question, cause it's different in every hospital,” Menard said.

Ellen said safety can slack-off during shift changes. Next up, what’s the nursing turnover rate on your floor? More than 10 percent is a red flag and could mean unhappy nurses who impact your care. Also, study your own medical chart.

"Somebody has to make sure they've got the right kidney when they take it out," Menard said

Plus, know your doctor's numbers, and we don't mean his pager.

"How many of these have you done in the last week, in the last month, in the last year?" Menard said.

One study said avoid surgery in July, that’s when new med students start. Two Harvard professors say it's linked to a two percent boost in length of stay, and a four percent spike in mortality. One study found higher mortality rates on Fridays compared to Monday through Wednesday.

"It's a long journey for patients and that's the thing I know," Menard said.

Ellen's now making sure her journey makes yours a little less frightening. Want more advice? If you're having elective surgery, ask if your surgeon is planning a vacation. If complications develop, you don’t want your doctor to be out of town. The American Nursing Association lists the hospitals that nurses find most attractive. Experts say good nurses mean better care.

BACKGROUND: Hospital infections are the 4th leading cause of death in the United States. According to the Committee To Reduce Infection Deaths, hospital-acquired-infections kill as many people in the U.S. each year as AIDS, breast cancer, and auto accidents combined. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control notes that an estimated 1.7 million health care related infections occur every year, and some 100,000 people will get potentially deadly infections while receiving hospital treatment. This country’s recent bouts with MRSA also highlight the need for education and traction in this arena.

NOTORIOUS INFECTIONS: According to the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases, when a catheter is used, urinary tract infections are the most common hospital acquired infection. Urinary catheters are often left in place longer than needed, and new research shows that reminder systems that encourage hospital staff to remove catheters promptly can reduce the rate of catheter-associated urinary tract infections by 52%. Other risks of urinary catheters include bloodstream infections and life-threatening blood clots.

MEDICATION MISTAKES: According to the Institute of Medicine, medication errors are among the most common medical errors, harming at least 1.5 million people every year. While in the hospital, make sure to write down your medications and dosages. Details are a must. Describe what the medication looks like, the shape and color of any pills, the names on the labels of bottles or IV bags. Also make sure your allergies to medications are in your chart. Don’t forget, the American Nursing Association lists the hospitals which nurses find most attractive. Happy nurses usually means better care.

HOSPITAL PREPAREDNESS: It’s important to be proactive to ensure you’re receiving the best possible care for your family or yourself. If you are unsure about a procedure, ask questions. Entrust a friend or family member to be your advocate. The responsibility will fall on them to act as your eyes and ears while you receive treatment. To prevent the spread of any infection, ask every person who comes in contact with you, including the physicians and nurses, to wash their hands or put on a fresh pair of disposable gloves before touching you. Remember, when it comes to your health, it’s never wrong to ask questions!

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