What you need to know about preparing to be a patient

Planning ahead for a hospital stay or for surgery is key in preparing for optimal outcomes!

Healthcare providers do their best to ensure your stay in hospital is as comfortable as possible. However, it can be an unfamiliar experience. For example, many different people will be helping you, equipment will make strange sounds and have unfamiliar symbols, and you will likely read and hear unfamiliar medical terms. All of this can make feeling comfortable pretty challenging.

That’s why it’s important to be prepared

Making a decision about treatment can be difficult, if you are unsure you can involve your Patient Advocate, bring them to appointments and ask them to take notes.  Prepare by talking to your doctor and discuss your questions before your appointments. Discuss things such as;

• make sure you understand why you need the treatment/surgery
• discuss the benefits and risks, as well as other options
• possible side effects
• ask what you can do to help yourself
• ask for written information to speak with someone who has had the treatment/surgery
• ask about the surgeon's experience performing this kind of surgery 
• discuss your home situation. Do you have someone who can help you when you get home? Do you think you will need home care?

Discuss what you could expect if you refuse the treatment. This information will help you make an informed decision.

You have made the decision – now what?

Here are some important things to know for during your hospital stay:

1. You will be told how to prepare for your specific hospital stay/surgery. This may include reviewing your health history and medications, tell your healthcare providers about your special needs and show your up-to-date It's Safe to Ask medication card. You should also be told about the benefits and risks of any sedatives you may receive, as well as who will be giving the medication to you.
2. You may have to answer questions about your health - answer honestly and as thoroughly as possible. If you feel confused or anxious, or have questions, speak up right away.
3. You may require lab work or other tests. Be sure you understand what is involved with these tests.
4. It is also important that you discuss your home situation. Remind them what your home situation is and if you will need home care or if you have someone who can help you when you get home.
5. Before treatment is administered, check your wristband and ensure your name and birthdate are correct. If going into surgery, also ask staff to confirm type of surgery and if the part of your body where surgery will be done is marked.
6. To help prevent falls, keep your bed low, use handrails, and wear non-slip footwear.

Preparing to go home

Here are some things to consider when it comes time to leave the hospital. You may feel excited or concerned to leave. Either way, being prepared to go home is just as important as preparing for your stay in hospital.

1. If you are in pain or have concerns, speak to someone immediately.
2. Ask for written instructions for your care at home. Review them and ask questions.
3. If you require home care services, confirm that arrangements have been made.
4. When it comes to your medications, there are several important questions to ask found here, 5 Questions to Ask About Medications.
5. Update your healthcare plan when you get home.

Remember, it’s OK to feel nervous about your stay in hospital. The best thing you can do to ensure your safety and feel comfortable is to be prepared.

For information about other patient safety topics, please visit safetoask.ca and browse through the S.A.F.E. Toolkit. You may also call 204-927-6477 or 1-866-927-6477.

Learn to be safe!

This article was originally part part of a series published in the Senior Scope in 2018, with articles on patient safety based on the S.A.F.E. Toolkit. The series was written by Laurie Thompson, who is executive director of the Manitoba Institute for Patient Safety.