Your safe care isn't just the responsibility of doctors, nurses, and Andretti-like ambulance drivers. You, too, can help control how well you're treated. Take these safety steps.
Before You Go
Check it out. Go to jcaho.org and click on "quality check" to find out if your hospital meets the guidelines set by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. Those with the highest scores have the lowest rates of medication errors and hospital-acquired infections.
Appoint an advocate. When you're in the hospital, your ability to make key decisions that can affect your health may be impaired (and in an emergency, you can't call the shots at all). Decide ahead of time who will accompany you on your visit. Choose someone who's not afraid to ask tough questions.
While You're There
Ask for the top doctor. While physician assistants are fine for stitches and sprains, you need a bona fide M.D. if it's something more severe. Once you've seen the triage nurse, the magic words are, "I'd like to see the attending physician."
Become a clean freak. Make sure your doctor snaps on a new pair of gloves when she comes to inspect you. And if gloves aren't needed (as when checking your pulse), ask if she has washed her hands.
For Surgery
Hold off on herbal remedies. Ginkgo, ginseng, St. John's wort, and valerian are a few of the many supplements known to cause surgical complications such as slower wound healing, medication interactions, lower blood pressure, and an increase of bleeding. Drink plenty of water, it helps prevent infections.
Cover up. Your body temperature drops during the first hour of anesthesia, which limits the flow of oxygen to the surgical site and increases the chance of infection. In one study those with lower body temperatures had three times as many infections as those who had surgery when they were warm. One hour before surgery, cover up with more blankets or raise the room temperature.
Get moving. If you're recovering from surgery, get out of bed and move around once you have your doctor's okay. When you're lying still for long periods, mucus collects in your lungs, meaning your lungs won't be able to expand fully, which will increase your risk of pneumonia.
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Last Updated: 12/01/2006 09:18:26
