How families can advocate for loved ones in the hospital

One way families can advocate for someone in the hospital is by asking clear questions and monitoring the care plan. Another thing families can do is look for changes that might not be seen by the busy care team. A calm family advocate allows the patient to have another voice due to the pain or medications that render the patient unable to speak.

According to a federal review, one out of four Medicare patients suffered from harm while staying in the hospital. The review revealed that 43 percent of adverse events could have been avoided through better care delivery.

There are things families cannot control, but their keen attention may help them notice certain details.

Be Informed While Your Loved One Is in the Hospital

Ask the care team to provide information on the primary diagnosis and treatment in understandable language. Write down the names of the attending doctors and nurses.

Choose one person in the family to inform other relatives. This step ensures there is only one source of information and makes it easier to contact the patient.

Inquire with the doctor about what needs to be done before discharge and the reason for any changes in the plan.

Monitor Medications and Test Results

Keep a list of all medications the patient takes, along with their doses and any allergies. Share this list upon admission to the hospital and ask the staff to verify its correctness.

Before giving any medication, ask why it is prescribed. Also, inquire about any replacement of the medication used at home.

Ask about the availability of test results and who will explain them.

Look For Infections and Fall Risks

Report a fever or confusion as soon as it happens. Any changes in breathing need prompt attention too.

According to the CDC, patients should raise any safety concerns and ask anyone visiting the patient, as well as any nurse, to wash their hands.

Do not attempt to lift a weak patient by yourself. Ask the trained staff to use safe patient handling techniques. Ensure that the call button is within reach before leaving the room.

Document Issues and Escalate Them

Document the event, the time it happened, and the names of those responding to it. If an issue is not addressed, then ask for the charge nurse or patient advocate.

If the patient suffered from a serious error in care, it may lead to questions regarding professional liability. A medical malpractice lawyer Kentucky families consult can review records and explain whether further action may be reasonable.

Legal advice is most useful when dates and written instructions are preserved.

Prepare a Patient for Safe Discharge

The process of discharge should not resemble running away from the hospital. Ask about the final diagnosis and the list of medicines.

According to AHRQ, families should review the discharge process, including warnings, appointments, and so on.

Practice the teach-back method before leaving the hospital. State the instructions in your own words and let the staff correct you if something is wrong. 

These patient safety tips can help to avoid misunderstandings at home.

Advocate to Ensure Patient Safety

Effective advocacy should be firm but based on facts only. Families should look for any changes and ask for clear answers when their loved ones are in the hospital.

Visit our site to read more valuable tips related to the health of your loved ones.