10 Tips to Stay Safe in Hospitals
April 01, 2014
Hospitals and healthcare facilities are generally safe and protective of those that seek assistance. But it's still important for patients to understand that there are measures they can take to ensure a reliable and safe experience. Doctors, nurses, and all administrators are, in fact, human and mistakes do happen. Keep in mind that health professionals are often busy, sleep-deprived and incredibly overworked. From self-monitoring how and when your medicine is administered to knowing where the safety exits are, these tips can help ensure hospital security for all those involved.
- Ask questions. Speak up if you are confused or feel like you don't understand something the doctor or nurse says. Never be embarrassed to ask the questions that will help you feel heard and taken care of. It's your body and your health and most health professionals welcome your inquiries because the more you understand about your condition, the better equipped you are to field questions from the doctor that will help him help you.
- Keep records. Be sure to know what's in store for you. Keep track of your surgery and testing schedule. Write down answers to the aforementioned questions and reference them when you have alone time so that you can expect who and what is just around the corner. Hospitals follow their own rules and often times, nurses or other personnel will come take you from your hospital room, and it's important to feel comfortable that their visits are expected and a necessary part of your recovery or treatment plan.
- Bring a trusted companion or guardian. It's important to have someone you trust participate in the listening and the questioning when you make a visit to a hospital or other doctor appointment. This helps ensures that you understand the diagnoses, prognoses, and treatment plans.
- Prepare important documents or ask someone to bring you what you need. If you have the time or wherewithal to gather identification cards, emergency contacts, prescriptions, and other information that would be helpful to share with the triage personnel or other hospital reps, it's important to do so. Otherwise, be sure to call upon someone you trust that has access to these materials so they can bring them to you once you are at the hospital.
- Report anything suspicious. If someone pays you a visit that does not seem to belong or your roommate seems a little too interested in you and your condition, say something. Escalate any person or situation or circumstance that raises a red flag so that the professionals can investigate.
- Introduce yourself. Share your name and a few other details about why you are there with every health professional that crosses your path. Your care team needs to understand who you are in order to provide the best care.
- Press the button. If you need help, press that emergency button and don't hold back the reasons for your call. Whether it be unforeseen symptoms, feeling unexpectedly different, or simply getting scared, reach out to the people that can help you.
- Wash hands. And ask all visitors to do the same. Infections spread quickly, especially around a hospital, so be sure to keep things clean and require those that enter your room to do the same.
- Know where the emergency exits are. This safety measure helps hospital security do their job and helps you and your visitors or companions keep order in case of emergency.
- Read everything before you sign. Or have someone you trust read all documents that require your or their signature, because you need to know what you're agreeing to.
Be sure that you are practicing personal safety when you are visiting a hospital. Medical emergencies can cause panic and high tension. It is best to remain calm and be aware of your surroundings to ensure your personal safety.