If you Have to Be in the Hospital

The quality of care you receive during a hospital stay can determine how quickly and how well you recover—or if you recover at all.

Consumer Reports surveyed readers in April of 2001 and found 22% were less than highly satisfied with their hospital. They complained about unanswered calls for assistance, inadequate pain relief, pressure to leave the hospital too soon, or recovery prolonged by complications caused by the hospitalization itself. The remaining 78% who responded to the survey stated they were highly satisfied with their stay.

Unlike other services, the care you get at a hospital can have serious long-term consequences, so any risk of receiving substandard care must be taken seriously. Seven percent of survey respondents stated the hospital tried to discharge them or a family member before they felt physically ready to leave. Be assertive. If you appeal your early discharge, you may be allowed to stay longer.

How can you determine if your local hospital is up to par? Experts have identified three crucial factors for quality hospital care: sufficient staff (especially registered nurses), a good system for organizing care, and lots of experience with your particular medical condition.

For the best results and a quick recovery:

Research the hospital. Chose a facility that has a good reputation or where you have had a positive previous experience.

Plan ahead. Some hospitals give out patient directions. In my case, my surgeon provided an informational brochure and my surgery counselor called the hospital with questions I had. Sometimes you can speak with an individual who has had the same surgery you are going to have.

Bring a family member or friend with you. There is a shortage of nurses, and it helps to have someone else looking out for you. In my case, walking the halls several times a day helped my recovery. I was not allowed to walk alone, so my husband would walk with me and help with my IV pole. This kept me from waiting for the physical therapist and saved my insurance from paying for this service.

Know the staff and make sure they know you. The really good nurses will come around and introduce themselves when their shift begins.

Keep a journal or notebook concerning any changes, medications given, and anything else you want to discuss with your doctor(s).

Double-check any medication. Pay attention or have a family member watch this. After surgery, you may be groggy for a few days.

If you are in pain, seek relief. I asked for pain medication once because I just could not sleep.

It is fun to have a few calls or visitors when you are in the hospital, if you feel up to it. Be aware it does take a lot of energy to entertain, so keep visits short. There are several interruptions throughout the day beginning somewhere around 5:30 a.m. and I found I tired easily. Save your energy for healing yourself.