Hospitalized: 11 Issues to Consider

If you are scheduled to be in the hospital, you need to think of what you need to do prior to, during, and after you are released. Even if recordkeeping is the last thing on your mind, you will be better prepared and informed if you keep track of all your medical issues.

There will be questions that you need to ask so that you can effectively participate in decisions about your health and treatment. Also, consider keeping health care planning information with your general financial and investment documents. This will help you to have a clearer and more complete picture of your overall plan for the future.

1. Do I need an advocate?

By using this article as a guide, you can list questions you need to ask, when to ask them, what information you need to record, and note if follow-up information is required. If you are the patient, have someone act as your advocate or at least have someone who will keep track of the information that needs to be gathered. Oftentimes, the patient is not in the condition to ask questions or record answers, and may not have the energy to be an advocate. Having an extra set of eyes and ears available, and someone who can ask questions on your behalf, can often make a big difference in the course of the patient's treatment.

2. What will I bring to the hospital?

When initially planning for a hospital stay, consider what items you want to bring to the hospital to make your time there more comfortable. You may want to bring things from home, such as books, slippers, and a robe. You may want to bring a 2- or 3-day supply of your prescribed medications so that there is no lapse in medication while you are waiting for re-fills at the hospital. You also may want an eye mask so you can sleep during the day, and ear plugs for blocking out the extraneous noises that are ubiquitous in hospitals.

3. What information do I need to record?

You will want to note the names of the doctors that have treated you in the hospital; tests and their results; the diagnosis, in medical and layperson's terms; the likely prognosis for your illness or injury; any new medicines that are prescribed; possible side effects of proposed treatment; what you need to do in order to be able to leave the hospital; and information about any appropriate clinical trials.

4. How do I keep track of medicines?

It is especially important to keep track of medicines prescribed before, during, and upon release from the hospital. Keep an ongoing list of all of your medicines, including when the medicines are first prescribed, when dosages are adjusted, and when medicines are discontinued. An accurate list will help protect you from over-medicating, under-medicating, or having ineffective combinations of medications. Have your doctor review your medication list before you leave the hospital to be sure that it is accurate.

5. What is a discharge meeting?

Prior to your release from the hospital, there will be a discharge meeting. The discharge planner coordinates ordering equipment, home health services, outpatient therapy, and many other services. The planner will make sure that the doctor has issued prescription orders for all services you need. It is a good idea to attend the discharge meeting (or have someone attend on your behalf) so that your needs may be more fully addressed.

6. Will I go to another facility when I am released from the hospital?

At the discharge meeting, it will also be decided if you will return home or be released to some other facility. You may be placed in a rehabilitation hospital, a skilled nursing facility, an assisted living residence, or home with help from a caretaker, family member, or friend.

7. What about accessibility and mobility?

Issues of your mobility can be assessed at the hospital, especially if you request it. Many people leaving the hospital will have specialized equipment for their recovery period. Beyond a wheelchair and walker, there are other items of "durable medical equipment" that help with accessibility and mobility, such as grab bars, raised toilet seats, and railings for the bathroom. If you are going to a rehabilitation hospital, skilled nursing facility, or assisted living facility, many of these items are provided for you while you are there.

8. How well do I have to be before I am discharged?

Also, prior to your release from the hospital you need to be able to accomplish certain tasks. These can include getting out of bed by yourself; walking to the restroom; having a bowel movement; and/or being hydrated to a certain level.

9. What physical or other restrictions will I have?

When you are released, it will be important to understand what restrictions you will have relating to food, drink, and physical activities. For example, will you be able to take a shower, drive, drink alcohol, and/or eat normally? This information will help your caregivers take better care of you and help to speed your recovery. It is also critical to confirm which medications you are to take once you are released. Double-check to see what medications have been added or removed during your hospital stay.

10. Will I go to a rehabilitation hospital or a skilled nursing facility?

If you are in need of intensive therapy before you can return to your home, you may be released to a rehabilitation hospital. A rehab hospital will often provide several hours a day of therapy for the patient. This is a place for patients that are too "well" for the hospital but not yet strong enough to return home. Another option for care between the hospital and the home setting is a skilled nursing facility, which will usually offer some rehabilitation services. At times, you will need more help than you can get at home, and you will be released to an assisted living facility.

11. What do I need to consider if I am to return home?

Additional details are needed if you are going from the hospital to your home. Will your necessary equipment be there already? What parts of the home will or will not be accessible to you? What needs to be done to make your home more comfortable and accessible for you? If you ask questions in advance, adjustments can be made so that your return home goes more smoothly.

While a hospital stay is never looked forward to, with some planning, asking the right questions, and recording information, the stay may be less stressful. Further, when you have adequate information about your health and your treatment options, you can make more informed decisions and feel more in control of your life and your health.