5 Tips For Safe Health Care

Image Source

If you find a hospital visit daunting, you are not alone. A recent survey shows that 51% of Americans are scared of inquiring about their ailments or symptoms from their relevant healthcare provider. This anxiety often stems from their inability to grasp medical jargon. Patients also worry they might be unable to convey their symptoms to their physician. This fear stops them from visiting a doctor, and they try to search for solutions online.

Even though you can find a vast pool of health-related information online, we recommend visiting the doctor if you feel under the weather. Patients might find the appointment easier if they take a close friend or family member along to help make their consultation less of an ordeal. Also, your medical information is confidential. Do not be intimidated by going to a doctor with an ailment you think is embarrassing! The tips we have provided below will enable patients to have a safe and fruitful healthcare consultation.

1. Know your rights

You should know your rights when consulting a medical professional. It will allow you to be more involved in making decisions regarding your treatment. Firstly, healthcare professionals are required to treat a patient with respect and dignity. They should also inform patients of a treatment plan’s risks and benefits. Most importantly, a patient should feel heard and safe in their environment.

To protect the rights of people under their care, health providers should continue to pursue educational programs and stay up-to-date on medical advancements. Many hospitals employ Clinical Nursing Leaders who ensure that they relay the concerns and needs of a patient and their family to the healthcare team. Enrolling nurses in online clinical nurse leadership programs will allow these caregivers to impart effective healthcare services to patients. It will also assist in lessening the gap between a patient and their practitioner.

Therefore when you consult a doctor, ask for information about your health condition, treatment benefits, risks, healthcare costs, etc. You should also communicate openly with your health provider and notify them of your religious and cultural beliefs. It will aid the physician in devising suitable treatment options.

2. Ask questions without hesitating

Are you scared of offending your doctor by quizzing them? Open communication with their consultants will allow patients to explain their symptoms and problems. Do not be afraid of probing further when your physician offers you a diagnosis or treatment option. Secondly, ask them to repeat their directions or explain incomprehensible medical terminologies. If your healthcare worker suggests a procedure, inquire about its details, risks, and benefits. Inform them of any medications you might be on to prevent cross-reactions with their treatment suggestions. Furthermore, convey your fears and worries to your medical provider to enable them to decide the best course of action for you.

Some other relevant questions to assist you during your appointment could be:

• Do I need any tests or treatments for my ailment?
• Can I consult another healthcare professional for a second opinion?
• Do I need to come in for another appointment?
• Do I need to change my diet/medication/exercise regimen/lifestyle?
• Can we wait and watch for my symptoms to develop? Do you suggest immediate action?
• What are the possible outcomes of your recommended treatment?

It might be helpful to bring along a close friend or family member who can support you during your appointment. You might also benefit from noting your queries down beforehand to relay them to your medical attendant.

3. Carry your medical record

An unexpected hospital visit might mean leaving your crucial medical information behind. To prevent this, keep your relevant medical information together in a convenient location. This file can include

• Information about past medical procedures
• Old and current prescriptions
• Past and existing medical conditions

You should also include the names and contact information of your previous physicians. Furthermore, inform your consultant if you are under treatment from a mental health professional or a holistic professional.

Lastly, provide a concise history to your healthcare provider to allow them to make the right decisions. Do not withhold any relevant information; it might affect your well-being negatively. If you have appointed a healthcare surrogate, include their contact information in your medical file or kit.

4. Attain relevant information before you get discharged

Patients or their advocates should ask the healthcare provider about their discharge plan before leaving. A discharge plan mentions future appointments, whether the patient needs more tests or if they should visit their primary doctor.

Secondly, ask the hospital for a discharge summary. This discharge summary contains directions about what to do after you get discharged and go home. It also instructs you to look for future symptoms and what to do if they appear. This summary will be essential in helping you or your primary caregiver to tend to your fitness.

5. Prevent the spread of diseases

Patients or visitors might catch infections from unsanitary practices during a hospital stay. Always wash and sanitize your hands after touching hospital surfaces, and instruct your visitors to do the same. The hospital staff needs to use new IV lines, syringes, and catheters should be used for each patient, so make sure the hospital staff opens a new instrument package for you.

If you have a respiratory infection, wear a mask when contacting other occupants. Sneeze on your elbow or a tissue, and avoid shaking hands or touching your visitors. Wash your hands frequently, and if you are immobilized, ask your healthcare attendant for alcohol wipes. Adopting hygienic and protective practices will help you and your visitors from contracting hospital-borne illnesses.

Conclusion

Visiting a healthcare provider does not have to be stressful. You or your healthcare advocate can follow tips to make the process successful. Always carry your past medical information with you when visiting a healthcare facility. Do not shy away from communicating your problems openly to your provider. Instead, provide concise information about your current and past diseases or any medication you might be on. Ask your doctor many questions to assuage your fears about any potential course of action. If you feel hesitant about going alone to the hospital, you can ask a friend or loved one to accompany you.

Always ask for your discharge summary and any action you might need to take after leaving the hospital. The discharge summary will contain relevant information about any symptoms that might arise and what action you should take then. These tips will help you or your primary caregiver cater to your health. They will also enable you to ensure you encounter safe health care.