By Shannin Prather
April 2018 | 2018 Spring Newsletter
Patients admitted to a hospital are empowered to make decisions about their care during their stay. As a patient, you are the most important member of your health care team, and you have rights.
Laws protect a patient’s right to privacy; nondiscrimination; language interpretation; and visitation. Beyond legal protections, professionals are available to help you receive proper care and to take steps to improve your situation if you feel that you are not getting the care you deserve.
You may appoint a trusted associate or loved one to become your advocate
to make sure that your questions and concerns are addressed. This is especially important if you are in pain; medicated; and/or not thinking clearly.
Have your advocate write down your questions in advance, to prepare for speaking with the nurse or doctor. Speak openly about your concerns—even express frustration—and do not be afraid to speak up. You have a right to question your doctor and express concerns about your care.
If you feel that you are not getting adequate care or you are unhappy with how you are being treated, you can talk to your nurse. If that feels uncomfortable, ask for the supervisor who manages the staff in your unit. You may also ask to talk to a hospital-based social worker, who can help resolve the concern.
Every hospital participating in the Medicare program must have an ombudsman or patient rights advocate. You may call this advocate, or ask your nurse to call on your behalf, to visit your room and discuss your concerns. Hospitals must acknowledge patient complaints.If you have a serious illness and are suffering from symptoms which you believe are not being managed correctly, you may request a consultation with a palliative care team. Palliative care teams help with symptoms and stress management, and aim for improved quality of life. Whether for pain management; spiritual well-being; or psychological distress; the palliative care team treats the person beyond the disease.
Throughout your hospital stay, remember that the people on your care team are human, too. They may be stressed, tired, and have more on their plate than it appears. For instance, a hospital doctor may see up to 30 patients each day. Try to be patient and understand that doctors have busy schedules and are often accommodating patients with competing priorities.
If you have additional concerns, the National Patient Advocate Foundation offers case managers who provide free, one-on-one support for patients. For more information, call (800) 532- 5274 or visit patientadvocate.org.
Patients admitted to a hospital are empowered to make decisions about their care during their stay. As a patient, you are the most important member of your health care team, and you have rights.
Laws protect a patient’s right to privacy; nondiscrimination; language interpretation; and visitation. Beyond legal protections, professionals are available to help you receive proper care and to take steps to improve your situation if you feel that you are not getting the care you deserve.
You may appoint a trusted associate or loved one to become your advocate to make sure that your questions and concerns are addressed. This is especially important if you are in pain; medicated; and/or not thinking clearly.
Have your advocate write down your questions in advance, to prepare for speaking with the nurse or doctor. Speak openly about your concerns—even express frustration—and do not be afraid to speak up. You have a right to question your doctor and express concerns about your care.
If you feel that you are not getting adequate care or you are unhappy with how you are being treated, you can talk to your nurse. If that feels uncomfortable, ask for the supervisor who manages the staff in your unit. You may also ask to talk to a hospital-based social worker, who can help resolve the concern.
Every hospital participating in the Medicare program must have an ombudsman or patient rights advocate. You may call this advocate, or ask your nurse to call on your behalf, to visit your room and discuss your concerns. Hospitals must acknowledge patient complaints.If you have a serious illness and are suffering from symptoms which you believe are not being managed correctly, you may request a consultation with a palliative care team. Palliative care teams help with symptoms and stress management, and aim for improved quality of life. Whether for pain management; spiritual well-being; or psychological distress; the palliative care team treats the person beyond the disease.
Throughout your hospital stay, remember that the people on your care team are human, too. They may be stressed, tired, and have more on their plate than it appears. For instance, a hospital doctor may see up to 30 patients each day. Try to be patient and understand that doctors have busy schedules and are often accommodating patients with competing priorities.
If you have additional concerns, the National Patient Advocate Foundation offers case managers who provide free, one-on-one support for patients. For more information, call (800) 532- 5274 or visit patientadvocate.org.