Your Role in Planning Your Safe Care

Your participation is needed to plan and provide for your safe care. The following suggestions are provided for your information.

General

• Any special needs, including cultural and religious preferences should be communicated to your caregiver.
• All hospital employees are required to wear identification and introduce themselves when providing service. If they do not, please feel free to ask.
• The health care team must check your ID prior to providing patient care.
• If your caregiver does not wash his/her hands, please ask him/her to do so.

Medications

• Give a list of all prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, supplements and herbs that you take to your doctor or nurse.
• Give a list of all allergies/reactions to medications, foods or latex to your doctor or nurse.
• When the nurse brings you your medication, ask what you are getting, especially if the color, shape or size of the pills is different from what you usually take.  (You may just be getting a generic drug instead of a brand name, a different brand name, or a different strength as directed by your doctor.)

Nutrition

• Tell the nurse and/or dietician about any food preferences and allergies, especially if you are on a restricted diet and/or have religious restrictions.

Surgical Treatment or Procedures

• Make sure your doctor and anesthesiologist knows your personal or family history of reactions to anesthesia.
• Prior to your procedure, get a clear explanation of what preparation is needed, what will be done during surgery and what to expect after.  For example, you may ask, "Can I eat or have anything to drink beforehand?", "Will I feel numb or lightheaded after?"

Tests or Procedures

• Ask your doctor when you can expect test and procedure results.
• Feel free to ask your doctor or caregiver about tests and procedures.

Discharge Instructions

• Get written instructions that you can understand for follow-up care.
• If you are going home with medical equipment, make sure you understand how to use it.
• Get written instructions for use of medical equipment. Know who to call in case you have questions about the equipment.
• Get a list of the medication(s) you will take at home, written instructions on how to take them, and written restrictions, such as foods to avoid.
• When picking up medication from your pharmacy, read the label. Be sure it is what your doctor prescribed
• Your doctor\'s phone number should be written on your discharge instructions should you have any questions when you are at home.

Atlantic Health wants you to have an exceptional hospital experience. Tell your doctor or nurse anything else you think is needed to plan your safe care.