Hospital stay

Doubts, uncertainties, unclear aspects undermine safety of care. Direct communication between caregiver and patient helps to consolidate the relationship of trust that underlies the therapeutic relationship and increases safety of care: seemingly contradictory aspects, concerns, or new symptoms must be clarified. It is important for the patient to ask as many questions as he or she feels necessary: this is not confrontation, but collaboration to increase safety.

A hospital receives a large number of patients, sometimes even for rather short stays. In modern medicine it often happens that several complex activities have to be carried out quickly and sometimes simultaneously. In this context, despite the fact that caregivers pay close attention to this activity, it can happen that we get confused about objects, information and even people.

To avoid person confusion, EOC employees are asked to identify the patient by first name, last name and full date of birth:

• before the administration of drugs, blood or blood components;
• before the collection of blood or other biological samples for clinical sami;
• before performing therapies or procedures (invasive and noninvasive).
  

If one addresses the patient using another name or in an unclear manner, it is important that the patient correct the confusion immediately. To support proper patient identification for inpatient stays and some types of outpatient stays, EOC hospitals have introduced the patient ID bracelet, which is placed by the attending staff upon entering the hospital following a specific procedure designed to ensure safety.

The bracelet should never be removed during the entire hospital stay. Should there be any problems with the bracelet, the patient should immediately contact the ward nurse.

EOC employees implement specific strategies to prevent falls in the hospital; the patient can contribute by implementing the following tips:

1. call staff in case of dizziness or fainting;
2. always keep the bell within reach;
3. make sure there are no obstacles inside the bed or along the way;
4. brake the wheelchair and/or aids before getting up or sitting down;
5. always use a cane or walker if one has been recommended;
6. do not wear socks or shoes with slippery bottoms;
7. do not wear clothing (e.g., robes or pants) that is too long;
8. call the nursing staff if you need to get up at night;
9. keep personal items (e.g., glasses) and walking aids handy;
10. call for help if you feel unsafe when moving.

The hospital is characterized by the presence of multiple pathogenic microorganisms that if transmitted among patients can cause infections. Some of these infections are resistant to antibiotics and therefore pose a serious health risk to the most vulnerable patients and a major health care problem.

Proper hand hygiene is considered the most effective measure to reduce the risk of transmitting potentially dangerous microorganisms from patient to patient. Caregivers are required to apply specific rules about hand disinfection.

Patients, family members and visitors can also contribute to the fight against nosocomial infections by regularly disinfecting their hands while in the hospital. This gesture evidently is mandatory after being in the toilet.

Medications are a powerful tool at the disposal of caregivers, but they can also become dangerous if not treated systematically enough. In drug therapy, everything must be correct and precise. Therefore, it is important for the patient to inform the doctor and/or nurses about all the medications he or she takes at home. To facilitate this step and not to forget anything, it is advisable to make a list with the medicines taken at home and bring it with you to the hospital.

What should the list contain?

• Prescription and over-the-counter medications.
• Homeopathic remedies.
• Traditional Chinese medicine preparations.
• Vitamins and minerals.
• Dietary supplements.
• Medications taken occasionally (e.g., painkillers).
  

It may help to consult the publication Medicines in Safety from Swiss Patient Safety.

It is important to tell doctors and health care providers about the diseases you have and the treatments you are undergoing. It is also important to mention any allergies, whether to drugs or foods, disinfectants, patches, etc. Before undergoing examinations, treatments, or taking new medications, it is crucial that the patient understands why they are needed, what the expected effects and consequences are, how the examinations and treatments will be carried out, and who will be in charge of performing them.

In case these aspects are not clear, it is advisable to ask for further explanation. It may be helpful to repeat in your own words the information you receive from doctors so that it is easier to understand.

If conflicting or contradictory information is received, further clarification should be sought.
Doubts or concerns should be addressed immediately.

After the hospitalization period, it is important that the patient is well informed to ensure the best possible outcome. Before leaving the hospital, the patient should receive the following information:

• Who will be responsible for his or her continued treatment once discharge has occurred;
• who will receive the discharge report, which will contain information about his or her condition and treatments;
• what to pay attention to in order to ensure proper care and recovery;
• what medications he or she should continue to take and how to take them;
• any new medications that need to be introduced into his treatment regimen;
• which medications have been replaced or discontinued;
• signs or symptoms to be closely monitored for his recovery process;
• who to contact or which service to contact if there are any concerns or signs of worsening.
  

This information is critical to ensure proper management of the patient's care pathway once he leaves the hospital and to promote optimal recovery.