Hospitalized 3: Consumer Reports Study

The Consumer Reports National Research Center recently completed a study of what subscribers (13,450) to Consumer Reports had to say about their own or a loved one’s recent hospitalization and what nurses (731 nurses working in patient care areas) reported on their most recent week at work. Responses varied considerably. For example
• While 13% of patients said their care wasn’t coordinated properly, 38% of nurses said that was a problem.
• 4 % of patients said the facility wasn’t clean, compared with 28% of nurses asked a similar question.

In interviews with hospital personnel, including doctors, nurses, social workers, dietitian and hospital pharmacists, suggestions were made about the best ways to get through a hospitalization safely and minimal confusion.

Do your Homework
- Check your health plan for its rules on hospitalization
- Research hospitals on-line
- Ask about a surgeon’s experience with unusual or complex treatments
- Ask about nurse-patient ratios.

Plan for a Smooth Admission
- Know what medications you are taking; write them down and bring them to the hospital
- Keep your regular doctor in the loop
- Understand the hospitalist’s role (A hospitalist, usually an internist or pediatrician, who has received advanced training in the practice of in-hospital medicine. Usually takes over from your regular outside doctor during your stay.)
- Avoid the ER except for genuine medical Emergencies

Avoid Chaotic Care
- Have a friend or relative with you as much as possible during your stay
- Keep a bedside log of tests, treatments, and consultations
- Identify a single individual to coordinate your care, whether a physician, hospital social worker, case manager or patient advocate
- When using the call button, be specific about your needs
- Be respectful to the staff, but don’t hesitate to ask to speak to a nursing supervisor if you feel your needs aren’t being met

Stay vigilant for problems
- Make sure caregivers wash their hands
- Check medications and doses before you take them
- Be insistent if you’re unhappy with your care or don’t understand something

Plan ahead for discharge
- Make sure you understand plans for your patient discharge
- If you’re not satisfied, ask for help from your hospital’s advocate, social worker or case manager
- Insist on medication reconciliation between home and hospital drugs
See your primary care physician within a week of your patient discharge and arrange for him or her to get copies of your hospital records.