Admission

Receptionists at the entrance of EOC facilities are happy to welcome patients and orient them within the facilities.

Useful information

With the aim of simplifying hospital admission, some useful information is collected below, both for outpatient and inpatient stays.

In order to help fight nosocomial infections, it is requested to disinfect hands and, in the presence of flu or cold symptoms, to wear a surgical mask as well. Mask and materials needed for hand disinfection are available at the entrance of all EOC facilities.

Pre-admission

If the hospital stay is planned, and particularly for stays related to surgical or invasive intervention, the patient is summoned for a pre-admission visit, during which information will be collected and the necessary examinations performed for the security of future care. During this visit, the patient receives additional information regarding the treatment to which he or she will undergo and has the opportunity to ask the EOC caregivers any questions he or she deems appropriate in relation to the treatment. An informed consent form will be submitted to the patient at this time, if not previously done.

What is required for this step?

  • The letter of convocation.
  • The list of medications used regularly.
  • Recent x-rays and all medical records in his or her possession.
  • If applicable:
    • The anticoagulation booklet;
    • the diabetic diary;
    • blood group card;
    • any other cards (e.g., endocarditis prophylaxis, allergies, pace-maker).

ADMISSION

Written informed consent

For surgical procedures, anesthesiologic procedures, and some invasive procedures that are considered high risk, the patient is required to consent in writing. The patient's signing of this consent, certifies that the patient has obtained all the necessary information needed to decide, freely, whether or not to undergo a specific procedure, and therefore agrees with the physician to perform it.

Within EOC, the clear and understandable communication by the health professional, may be accompanied by an information sheet summarizing the main aspects of the proposed treatment, and in particular diagnosis, treatment, possible risks, possible viable alternatives as well as possible costs not covered by compulsory health insurance.

Following this information, and after clarifying any further doubts, the patient or his or her representative signs the consent form.

As long as the procedure is not performed, the patient has the right to withdraw his or her consent.

Hospital reception

Upon arrival at the hospital, the patient must announce himself or herself at the patient admissions office. The staff members present will do all the necessary paperwork for opening the patient's clinical record; the questions they will be asked are essential and covered by patient confidentiality.

What is required for this step?

In order to expedite this paperwork, it is a good idea for the patient to bring the following documents:

  • the identity card or passport;
  • the health insurance membership card;
  • the insurance certificate (in the case of supplementary coverage);
  • the family booklet (for infants).

Admission to the department

Upon arriving at the ward, the patient should announce himself at the nurses' office; EOC staff will then take care of accompanying him to his room.

Documents for admission to the department

What to bring for admission to the ward
If they have not yet been delivered during the preadmission phase, the patient should bring:

  • the list of medicines used regularly;
  • recent x-rays and all medical documents in his or her possession;
  • if applicable:
    • the anticoagulation booklet,
    • the diabetic diary,
    • blood group card,
    • any other cards (endocarditis prophylaxis, allergies, pace-maker).


Also required for hospital stay are:

  • underwear;
  • pajamas or nightgown;
  • slippers;
  • robe or tracksuit;
  • comb;
  • personal hygiene products;
  • any auxiliary means.

Identification bracelet
Upon arrival on the ward, a nurse is responsible for attaching the identification bracelet to the patient. This important safety tool allows for increased patient safety.

The nurse will verify the accuracy of the information printed on the bracelet by asking the patient (or the patient's companion):

  • first name;
  • last name;
  • full date of birth.



After explaining the usefulness of the bracelet, the nurse will ask for consent to affix it.

As a rule, the bracelet is placed on the right upper limb. In special cases (e.g., surgery specifically on the right limb), the bracelet may be placed on the left limb or lower limbs.

The bracelet must be worn for the duration of the stay. It will be consulted, by caregivers, in various care situations and in particular:

  • before the administration of drugs, blood or blood products;
  • before the collection of blood or other biological samples for clinical examinations;
  • before the performance of therapies.
Valuables

It is strongly advised not to carry jewelry, important documents or sums of money.
Should the patient wish to purchase anything at the kiosks or restaurants, it will be sufficient to have little cash with them.

Valuables may, however, be deposited in the hospital safe during weekday and office hours. The staff in charge will issue the patient with a receipt of deposit. For more information, please contact the attending staff.

The Hospital accepts no responsibility for missing money, jewelry or other valuables not deposited in the safe.

In case of loss or theft, the patient is urged to promptly inform the ward staff and report the matter to the police.

Daily life

The patient's days spent in the hospital are punctuated by the care he or she has to follow over the course of the entire day and the times when family members and acquaintances visit. At these times, the patient is asked not to be absent from his room during the times of medical treatment and medical examination and to invite his family members and acquaintances to observe the visiting hours.

More information

The English version of this page was created with the aid of automatic translation tools and may contain errors and omissions.
The original version is the page in Italian.