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Patient Safety

The single most important way you can contribute to the safety of your hospital stay is to be an active member of your healthcare team. That means taking part in every decision about your healthcare. Research shows that patients who are more involved with their care tend to get better results.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions about your care so that you may fully understand your treatment plan and expected outcomes. You and your family/friends will be able to better facilitate your recovery.
 
Medication Safety:
  • everything you are taking. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, and dietary supplements such as vitamins and herbs. At least once a year, bring all of your medicines and supplements with you to your doctor. “Brown bagging” your medicines can help you and your doctor talk about them and find out if there are any problems. It can also help your doctor keep your records up to date, which can help you get better quality care.

  • Tell your doctors and nurses about any allergies and adverse reactions you have to medicines, such as “I have a penicillin allergy, it gives me a rash”. This can help you avoid getting a medicine that can harm you.

  • Ask your doctor and nurse about your medicines in terms you can understand.

  • What is the name of my medication?

  • What is the medicine for?

  • How am I supposed to take it, and for how long?

  • What side effects are likely? What do I do if they occur?

  • Is this medicine safe to take with other medicines or dietary supplements I am taking?

  • What food, drink, or activities should I avoid while taking this medicine?

Ask for written information about the side effects your medicine could cause. If you know what might happen, you will be better prepared if it does-or, if something unexpected happens instead. That way, you can report the problem right away and get help before it gets worse.
 
Infection Control:
Infections can occur after many types of medical procedures. This is particularly true if you have surgery. There are several things you can do to help prevent infections from developing in the hospital;

  • Wash your hands carefully after handling any type of soiled material. This is especially important after you have gone to the bathroom.

  • Since you are part of your healthcare team, do not be afraid to remind doctors and nurses about washing their hands before working with you.

  • If you have an intravenous catheter, keep the skin around the dressing clean and dry. Tell your nurse promptly if the dressing works loose or gets wet.

  • Likewise, if you have a dressing on a wound, let your nurse know promptly if it works loose or gets wet.

  • If you have any type of catheter or drainage tube, let your nurse know promptly if it becomes loose or dislodged.

  • If you have diabetes, be sure that you and your doctor discuss the best way to control your blood sugar before, during, and after your hospital stay. High blood sugar increases the risk of infection noticeably.

  • If possible, ask your friends and relatives not to visit if they themselves feel ill.

  • Take antibiotics exactly as instructed. Do not stop taking them without checking with your physician. Don’t insist that your physician gives you antibiotics if you don’t need them. Antibiotics have no effect on illnesses caused by viruses and can lead to developing resistance to antibiotics.

  • Follow isolation guidelines. Ask your doctor or nurse to explain why isolation precautions are necessary.
 
Surgical Safety:
You, your doctor, and the nurse all agree and are clear on exactly what will be done. For example: You may be asked several times to identify what surgery you are having and if it is on the left or right side.
  • Follow your nurses’ instructions after surgery to prevent such events as urinary tract infections, lung infections, and blood clots.

  • If you are overweight, losing weight will reduce the risk of infection following surgery.

  • If you are a smoker, you should consider a smoking cessation program. This will reduce the chance of developing an infection while in the hospital and may also improve your healing abilities following surgery.

  • Carefully follow your doctor’s instructions regarding breathing treatments and getting out of bed. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, advice, or sufficient pain medications!
Fall Precautions:
  • Call the nurse or aide if you need to use the bathroom.
  • Ask family or a friend to stay with you during your stay.
  • Wear non-slip or rubber-soled shoes.
Other Steps You Can Take:
  • Speak up if you have questions or concerns.
  • Ask a family member or friend to be there with you and to be your advocate (someone who can help get things done and speak up for you if you can’t)

Note: The information on this Web site is provided as general health guidelines and may not be applicable to your particular health condition. Your individual health status and any required medical treatments can only be properly addressed by a professional healthcare provider of your choice. Remember: There is no adequate substitution for a personal consultation with your physician. Neither St. Mary's Regional Medical Center, or any of their affiliates, nor any contributors shall have any liability for the content or any errors or omissions in the information provided by this Web site.
 
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