Outside the Hospital

  • Keep a notebook with your medical history, including lab, X-ray, and procedure reports.
  • Call about test results if you do not receive them in the time expected.
  • Tell every health care provider about your allergies, as well as any medications, supplements, and herbal remedies you take.
  • Write down adverse reactions to medications.
  • Make a list of your doctors, your pharmacy, and other providers. Give it to new members of the team.
  • Research the credentials of any potential provider.
  • Take a list of questions to the doctor’s visit. Write down the answers. Or ask someone to accompany you.
  • If your English skills are limited, take a translator.
  • Make sure you can read the prescriptions.
  • Know what drugs are for, the amount you should be taking, how to take them, and potential side effects.
  • If you need a procedure, ask who will do the anesthesia and insist on meeting the person to review your medical needs. Ask how you will be monitored.
  • Check the hospital’s reputation, its accreditation, and Magnet status.

In the Hospital

  • Remind caregivers to wash their hands. It prevents the spread of infection. Or post a sign.
  • If you are having surgery, mark the correct site.
  • Ask the name of the registered nurse responsible for your care each shift. If you have a question, direct it to him or her.
  • Avoid distracting caregivers while they provide care. Wait until the task is finished.
  • Check medications before swallowing. If they do not look right, ask.
  • Remind staff about allergies, especially for things routinely used, such as latex or iodine.
  • Understand why tests are being done.
  • Before leaving, understand what follow-up care you will need and how you will get it.