Being A Patient In The Hospital:When I checked into a hospital for the first time, I suddenly felt as if I had lost control of my life, as if I had become just another statistic._Marie G.
I remember my first visit as a patient. I felt very vulnerable and unprotected._Paula L.
Have you ever been a patient in a hospital and experienced the above reactions? Whether you have or not, you must acknowledge that most people spend little time thinking about being a patient. Yet, that prospect may be a reality one day for you. In 1987, for example, reports show 1 hospital admission for every 7 persons in the United States. Such statistics vary throughout the world. Yet, as a prudent person, what preparations should you make for such an eventuality?
"The single most important way to protect your health is to make sure hospitalization is necessary," comments Dr. Sidney Wolfe, director of the Public Citizen Health Research Group. No matter where you live, if you are sick, you have the right and the obligation to be informed as to the facts of your medical problem. Often your own doctor may be able to give you satisfactory answers.
But if there is any questions, an independent second opinion is recommended. In some lands, insurance companies even require second opinions before they will pay on certain types of major surgery. And it is not unheard of to seek a third opinion to resolve differences on diagnosis and treatment. The fundamental point is: Whether there is one opinion or two or more, a wise patient takes time to determine for himself the need for and wisdom of the proposed treatment.
EMERGENCY ADMISSIONS IN THE HOSPITAL
Of course, in an emergency situation, there may be no time to get various medical recommendations. The patient may even be unconscious, unable to speak or write when brought to the hospital. Sometimes doctors must act immediately, even before relatives can be located to determine the patient's wishes or preferences. Such situations emphasize why forethought and planning are of utmost importance.FILLING OUT PATIENT FORMS AND STATEMENTS
Patients right vary widely throughout the world. In some countries these rights have been increased dramatically in recent years; a doctor is not permitted to render any treatment without the patient's consent, usually indicated in writing. This is one reason hospitals may have their own forms that they want you to sign. If such is the case where you live, the following should help.
You should very carefully read all the forms before you sign them because your signature means that you agree to, whatever the form says. Let no one rush you into signing an admission form, or consent-for-treatment form, without your reading it carefully. If you do not agree with a portion of the standard form, cross out that part. Even if someone protests that it is the hospital's form and that it cannot be altered, it is nevertheless a legal contract, and you cannot be required to sign anything that you do not agree with. Though not wanting to appear unreasonable, it is important that you do not compromise on this matter-you have the right to refuse to approve any portion of a form.
Patients in some countries have fewer rights than those outlined above. There are areas where the doctor is the law, and patients are more or less considered to be at his mercy. One doctor from western country visited an African nation and observed: "I was not prepared, either, for the way that doctors and patients interacted . . . The patients themselves never spoke unless they were spoken to. They did not question their doctors."
TALKING WITH MEDICAL PERSONNEL IN THE HOSPITAL
Your doctor should be your main advocate and source of information; hence, much may depend on how carefully you have chosen a physician. Notes one writer: "Recognize doctors are like everyone else. They exhibit the full range of good and bad [that] the rest of us do. Most physicians try to do the best for their patients, but some are socialized [conditioned] into thinking they are entitled to make decisions for you. If a doctor's beliefs or personality clash with yours, find another doctor."
Try to get your questions answered fully and to your satisfaction before you consent to any treatment. If you cannot understand something, do not be embarrassed to say so. Ask that the explanation be in plain, non medical language. It would also be tactful if at some point in the conversation with the doctor, you express sincere appreciation for his understanding.
Try to establish a friendly relationship with the hospital staff dealing with you, such as nurses, for they can and should be a big help in your care and recovery.
When they bring medications or injections, make sure these are really for you. This is a step of practical wisdom, for despite the best intentions, mistakes are made.
The hospital staff probably will seem quite busy, but remember that most of them chose this line of work because they do care for people and genuinely want to help.You can cooperate with them if you try to express your needs or concerns clearly. No nurse (or anyone else on the staff) has the right to subject you to verbal abuse, such as: "You will die unless you accept this treatment." Report any such abuse to the hospital administration as well as to relatives or to your minister; they may be in position to speak for you.
WHAT IF A PROBLEM ARISES IN THE HOSPITAL?
There have been occasions when, in spite of applying all these points, patients find themselves in deep conflict with the medical system. Though such a circumstance is rare, what should you do if you suddenly find yourself in such a situation?
First, try not to panic. Usually this is a difficult time for all involved, with emotions running high. So your remaining calm, reasonable, and respected can be a great asset. Second, consider and recruit all possible resources. The hospital may have a patient representative whom you can contact and from whom you can seek help.
Hopefully, you will not have any of these problems, but it is good to plan ahead. Also remember that certain things are expected of you while you are staying in the hospital.
PATIENT PROTECTION AND PARTICIPATION
"Just as no accused person should go to court without a lawyer, so no patient should enter a big-city hospital without a family member or close friend prepared to look after the patient's interest and to speak up when
necessary."_June Bingham, The Washington Post, August 12, 1990.
"Throughout the ages the idea of a patient participation in medical decisions has been alien to physicians thinking and practice. And patients have learned from bitter experience that asking too many probing questions may alienate them from us, since we too often resent such inquires.
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