Staying Safe in the Hospital

About this topic

Going to the hospital can be a scary time for you. As a patient, you are often sick and feel all of your energy is needed just to get well. The doctors and staff also work toward helping you feel better. ‚
However, you may also have problems while you are in the hospital. You may get an unexpected infection or miss a dose of a drug. Instead of feeling better, you may become sicker and even have a serious health problem. It is important to do what you can to keep yourself safe in the hospital. ‚

General

Some things can raise your risk of having problems in the hospital. Take extra care if you: ‚

Have surgery
Are taking any kind of drugs, like those for pain or to help you sleep
Smoke or use tobacco products
Are over 60 years old
Have an infection
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Here are some things you can do to help keep you safe while you are in the hospital. ‚
Ask questions. ‚

Be sure you understand what care will be given to you. Ask your doctor to explain to you again if you are still not clear. Use your own words to repeat back what you believe your care plan or discharge teaching is about. If you are having a test or surgery, use your own words to tell your doctor what you think will happen so that you can be sure you are correct about what will take place.
Write down your questions ahead of time. This will help you remember to ask them the next time you see the doctor. It is OK to ask your doctor to write down the answers as well or to give you time to write down the answers.
Take a friend or family member you trust with you to help you ask questions and remember the answers.
Ask your doctor if it is OK to record your conversation to share with your family if they are not able to be there.
Speak up if you are worried about something.

Protect yourself against infection. ‚

Good hand washing is very important. Make sure all people wash their hands.
Ask each doctor, nurse, and visitor if they have washed their hands before they touch you or anything in your room. It is easy to spread germs from one person to the other in a hospital.
Ask each day if any tubes, lines, catheters, or other equipment you have can be taken out. The longer you have these in place, the higher your chance for infection from them.

Share a list of all the drugs you take or bring them with you. ‚

Include all of your prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. Also include any natural products or vitamins you take.
Show your list to all of your doctors.
Learn about the drugs you are on while in the hospital. Ask before you are given any drug:
- What is this drug?
- What is it for?
- What should I watch for while taking it?
- How often do I take it?
Go over the list again before you go home to learn if there are new drugs you need to take. You also may need to make changes to your old drugs. Update your list and throw away any old lists you may have.

Ask about all of your test results: ‚

Find out when you will get the results of all tests and procedures.
If you have not heard about a test or procedure, ask what the results were.

Take extra care if you are at risk for falling. ‚

Pain drugs and drugs to help you sleep can put you at a higher chance of falling. So can being in a place that you are not familiar with.
Ask for help with getting out of bed, getting up from a chair, or going to the bathroom. Make sure to ask for help if you have had surgery.
Be sure to wear nonslip socks or shoes that fit well and give good support.

Helpful tips

Ask a friend or family member you trust if they can stay in the room with you. They can help with your care, ask questions, remember answers, and talk with doctors and nurses. ‚

Where can I learn more?

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality ‚
http://www.ahrq.gov/patients-consumers/care-planning/errors/5steps/ ‚
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/features/patientsafety/ ‚
National Patient Safety Foundation ‚
http://www.npsf.org/for-patients-consumers/patients-and-consumers-key-facts-about-patient-safety/ ‚

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚

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