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What should a doctor of medicine on duty know about a hospitalized patient? Are all types of patients hospitalized? What should a nurse on duty know about a hospitalized patient? What types of patients are hospitalized and at what locations in the hospital? What should a patient know about hospitalization? What should relatives and others know about the hospitalized patient? How should a doctor of medicine talk to a hospitalized patient who is conscious and stable? How should a nurse talk to a hospitalized patient who is conscious and stable? How should a doctor of medicine care for a patient who is unconscious or semiconscious and in an intensive care unit? How should relatives and well-wishers visit a hospitalized patient? |
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What should a doctor of medicine on duty know about a hospitalized patient? What is the mailing address of the hospital? Where exactly has the patient been admitted in the hospital: ward, intensive care unit, medical emergency room, operating room, or any other location? What is the profile of the patient? What brings the patient to the hospital? How long is the patient going to be in the hospital? What is the diagnosis of the patient? Is the hospitalization of this patient justified? What is the treatment? Is the patient receiving appropriate treatment? When is the patient going to be discharged from the hospital? Is the patient normal/stable to be discharged from hospital? Is the patient going to be safe at home or home office? What is the plan after discharge from the hospital? How often should there be follow-up? Where should the patient come for follow-up? Are all types of patients hospitalized? No. A patient is assigned to a doctor of medicine in a hospital. The patient’s medical history can be transmitted to the home office of the doctor of medicine in certain cases. Depending on the situation, more questions may be asked by the doctor of medicine. Casualty Day patient Doctor–patient relationship E-patient Gift Shops How to Visit a Hospitalized Patient International Patients Medical Records Outpatients and inpatients Pastoral Care Patient Patient abuse Patient Family Housing Patient FAQs Patient Responsibilities Patient Rights Advanced Directives Patient Rights and Responsibilities Patient Safety Patient satisfaction Patients & Families Pharmacy Registration & Pre-registration Support Translation Services Virtual patient Visiting Hours |
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Patient A patient is any recipient of health care services. Have you ever been confused by the language healthcare professionals use when you request information regarding services that you want or need? To ease your frustration during future visits at various healthcare settings, we’ve compiled a list of patient statuses that will help you comprehend the terminology so you can make appropriate decisions about your healthcare. Inpatient: A patient is admitted to a room for an overnight stay or for numerous days with continuous general nursing services in an area of an acute care facility. Examples of treatment areas for admission: ICU, Labor and Delivery, Cardiology Units or General Medicine Units. Outpatient: A patient receives a diagnosis and/or treatment
at a hospital, but does not stay overnight. Examples of treatment in
this environment (also known as ambulatory care): emergency department,
clinic, radiology (for x-rays), laboratory (for laboratory tests), or
respiratory therapy (for pulmonary function testing). The following patient statuses are all part of the outpatient category: Clinic: Patients visit either a clinic or a physician office within a hospital and interacts with a physician or other healthcare provider. Patients may be referred to an outpatient unit for testing, admitted to an inpatient bed, or sent home following their visit. Remember: All clinic visits are outpatient patient status. Emergency Department (ED): These units are within a hospital and provide initial treatment to patients with a broad variety of illnesses and injuries that could be life-threatening and require immediate attention, hospital admission or surgery. The ED is open 24/7 and is a major entry point for hospital inpatients. Patients can either walk into the ED or be transported via ambulance. Patients can be admitted, discharged, or placed in observation from the ED—all depending on the condition of the patient. Note: ED patients who are discharged from the ED are considered outpatients. If the patient is admitted to inpatient status an attending physician is assigned and an order to admit to the hospital is written. Patients can be placed in observation and remain in the ED or be transferred to a nursing unit. Either way the patient’s status remains outpatient. Outpatient Surgery: This term is also referred to as ambulatory surgery, same-day surgery or day surgery in which patients have a surgical procedure that does not require an overnight hospital stay. Outpatient surgery can be a distinct unit within a hospital or a stand-alone facility. Clinics(also known as convenient care clinics): These are healthcare clinics located within _______ that are prepared to provide treatment related to uncomplicated minor illnesses.) These clinics (also known as convenient care clinics) are usually staffed by advanced nurse practitioners, physician assistants, or in some instances, physicians or residents. Urgent Care: This is the delivery of outpatient services (also known as walk-in clinic visits) in a hospital or free-standing clinic outside of the normal emergency department environment. These patients are usually unscheduled or walk-ins that require immediate care, but whose conditions are not serious enough to warrant an emergency department. Observation: These hospital patients are neither inpatient nor outpatient. Patients are placed in a hospital bed (often in an inpatient unit) after displaying signs or symptoms that require additional medical work up or evaluations in order to provide a more definitive diagnosis—but do not need the level of services provided in an inpatient setting. Observation stays are usually limited to 24 hours then the physician must determine whether patients’ condition warrants an inpatient admission or discharge. Note: Patients placed in observation and then discharged are called observation status patients. If patients are admitted to the hospital then status is changed to inpatient. Skilled Nursing Unit: This is an extended stay unit for patients who require constant nursing care and have cognitive deficiencies that require assistance with the activities of daily living. These units are usually within another facility such as a hospital or nursing home, and patients are generally elderly or young adults who have suffered from a catastrophic injury or illness. Patients must stay a minimum of three days and be able to participate in therapies such as physical therapy, respiratory therapy or occupational therapy. Patients on these types of units are not considered acute care inpatients. Long Term Acute Care Facility: These are acute care organizations that specialize in providing treatment to patients with serious medical conditions. These conditions usually require an acute care level of care but patients must stay for an extended length of time. These patients are usually transferred from an intensive care unit from a traditional hospital, and typically need life support assistance or ventilator management. Rehab: These are long-term facilities (free-standing or a distinct unit within a hospital) that specialize in rehabilitative care for patients including, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and assistance with activities of daily living. Patients at these facilities have extended stays as a part of their rehabilitation program. During rehab, patients learn rudimentary skills such as walking—following a catastrophic injury or condition. These patients are not considered hospital inpatients because they are discharged from acute care and then admitted to rehab. Patient Rights and Responsibilities_________ Hospital has a deep and abiding respect for our patients and their rights. As a patient you have the right and responsibility to be informed and participate in every decision that involves your care and treatment. If you are unable to do so, then your rights can be legally transferred and exercised by someone that you designate to make decisions for you when you are temporarily incapacitated. Florida law requires that your physician and our hospital recognize your rights while you are receiving medical care and that you understand our rights in return to expect a certain behavior on your part as a patient. We’re more than happy to provide you with the full text of the laws regarding patient rights and responsibilities. Patient’s Rights As a patient, you have the right to: •Impartial access to medical treatment or accommodations, regardless of race, ______ origin, religion, physical handicap or source of ________. •Treatment for any emergency medical condition that will deteriorate if treatment is not provided. •Know who is providing medical services and who is responsible for your care. •Request notification of a family member or representative and your own physician promptly upon admission to the hospital. •Be given information by your healthcare provider concerning your diagnosis, health status, planned course of treatment, alternatives, risks and prognosis. •Be informed about the outcomes of care, treatment and services that have been provided, including unanticipated outcomes. •Assessment and management of your pain. •Request and refuse any care, treatment or services, except as otherwise provided by law. •Formulate Advance Directives and have your physician(s) and hospital staff provide care that is consistent with these directives. •Prompt and reasonable responses to questions and requests. •Be free from both physical restraints and drugs used as a restraint, except when necessary and or when less restrictive interventions have been determined to be ineffective. •Be treated with courtesy and respect, with appreciation of your individual dignity in an environment that contributes to a positive self-image. •Be free from mental, physical, sexual and verbal abuse, neglect and exploitation. •Protection of your need for privacy and to receive care in a safe setting. •Confidentiality of your health information. •Access to information contained within your medical record within a reasonable timeframe. •Know what rules and regulations apply to your conduct. •Know what patient support services are available, including whether an interpreter is available if you do not speak English. •Access protective and advocacy services. •Know if medical treatment is for the purpose of experimental research and to give your consent or refusal to participate in such research. •Be given information and counseling on the availability of known _______ resources for your care upon request. •To know upon request and in advance of treatment, whether the healthcare provider or healthcare facility accepts the Medicare assignment rate. •Receive, upon request and prior to treatment, a reasonable estimate of charges for medical care. •Receive a copy of a reasonably clear and understandable itemized bill, and upon request, have charges explained. •Have the hospital address you or your family’s concerns or complaints about your care or services provided. •Express grievances regarding any violation of your rights as stated in Florida law, through the grievance procedure of the healthcare provider or healthcare facility that served you and to the appropriate state licensing agency. Patient Responsibilities As a patient you are responsible for: •Providing to your healthcare provider, to the best of your knowledge, accurate and complete information about present complaints, past illnesses, prior hospitalizations, medications and other matters related to your health. •Reporting unexpected changes in your condition to your healthcare provider. •Reporting to your physician whether you comprehend a contemplated course of action and what is expected of you. •Following the treatment plan recommended by your healthcare provider. •Keeping appointments and, when you are unable to do so for any reason, notifying the healthcare provider or healthcare facility. •Taking responsibility for your actions if you refuse treatment or do not follow the healthcare provider’s instructions. •Assuring that the financial obligations of your healthcare are fulfilled as promptly as possible. •Following the healthcare facilities’ rules and regulations affecting patient care and conduct. History Patient if possible Family Members Hospital/Nursing Home Other Caregivers Always remember the previous Chart E-patient An e-patient is a health consumer who participates fully in his/her medical care. Sometimes referred to as an "internet patient," e-patients see themselves as equal partners with their doctors in the healthcare process. Patient Family Housing •Short-term housing •Long-term housing •Additional housing options Patient FAQs What should I bring with me when I am admitted to Hospital for Special Care (HSC)? What laundry services are available? Should I keep my own medications with me? Will my personal physician care for me during my stay at HSC? How often is mail delivered? Will I have my own room? Will there be a telephone in my room? Will there be a television in my room? Is there a chapel or religious services? Can I go home for a visit? What does discharge planning mean? What kind of communication will my family and I have with my Special Care Team? What should I bring with me when I am admitted to HSC? In order to participate fully in your therapies we encourage you to dress in comfortable, casual clothing. All clothing should be labeled with your name. In addition, you should bring: Any items that were used on a regular basis prior to your illness, such as eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures, and the appropriate containers Sturdy shoes or sneakers and loose socks, if appropriate Loose-fitting pants or sweatpants, shirts that are comfortable and easy to put on, undergarments, bathrobe, and pajamas A seasonal coat or jacket, to take advantage of our courtyards and pathways Laundry bag Toiletries Electric razor What laundry services are available? Laundry services are available at the hospital, although family members are encouraged to launder patients' clothing. There are washers and dryers on the units to be used by patients and their family members. Should I keep my own medications with me? All medications ordered by your physician are provided by HSC and distributed by your nurse. Please speak with your nurse if you have any questions. Will my personal physician care for me during my stay at HSC? You will be cared for by a physician employed by HSC who is available to see you frequently and coordinate your care with your Special Care Team. Your personal physician will receive reports on your condition and all the necessary information to continue your care following your discharge. How often is mail delivered? Mail is distributed daily, except Sunday. Email availability may be arranged through your Special Care Team. Will I have my own room? Most rooms are semi-private. We do have a limited number of private rooms, but first priority must be given to those requiring a private room for isolation purposes or other medical or equipment needs. We make every attempt to honor wishes for private rooms if possible, but a private room cannot be guaranteed for the duration of hospitalization. Will there be a telephone in my room? Telephones are provided in all patient rooms except the Neurobehavioral Program (NBP). Only local calls may be made from these phones. For other types of calls, please contact a member of your Special Care Team. Special telephones for the hearing impaired are available. Other needs may be addressed with your case manager. Will there be a television in my room? Televisions are provided free-of-charge in all patient rooms except the NBP. Is there a chapel or religious services? The Interdenominational Chapel is open 24 hours a day. Religious services are held on Sunday mornings, on holidays, and as otherwise appropriate. The hospital has a Pastoral Care program staffed by chaplains. Can I go home for a visit? A home visit may be necessary shortly before discharge in order to ensure that the patient may return to home safely from HSC. Patients may request a day pass to leave the hospital for a visit with their families. Some insurance companies do not allow day passes, as they feel if patients are well enough to return home for a day, they no longer require a hospital level of care. A member of the healthcare team will speak with you and your family about planning a home visit. Before a visit is planned: Your attending physician must first authorize a pass Your family must be trained to manage your care. Special training may be necessary for a successful visit Your nurse and social worker will discuss any specific issues that relate to your condition with you and your family Your nurse and other team members will review your equipment and medication needs What does discharge planning mean? Since our goal is to return patients to the community, a discharge plan is developed for every patient admitted to HSC. Discharge plans vary with individual needs. Most patients are discharged home with home care services, to a day rehabilitation program or to outpatient services. Some individuals are discharged to a long-term care facility. Your treatment will ensure that your discharge plan is well coordinated to enable you to receive appropriate follow-up care. What kind of communication will my family and I have with my team? Rehabilitation patients: Ongoing communication with your treatment team is an integral part of your rehabilitation program. Your case manager is your primary link. Each week there will be a Rehabilitation Team Review (RTR), which is an informational sharing session. You are welcome to attend your RTR, but if you are unable to attend, your case manager will speak with you to discuss your program. In addition, a family meeting may be scheduled soon after admission to discuss evaluations and program goals and solicit your input. Family meetings include your physiatrist, case manager, and other members of your treatment team. Long-term patients: Patients' primary care coordinators (the PCC, a registered nurse) and social workers are the key contacts on all HSC units. Questions related to a patient's medical condition should be directed to the PCC. Other questions may be asked of the unit social worker. When needed, a family meeting can be arranged to offer a patient and family the opportunity to discuss more complex issues with caregivers from all disciplines. How should relatives and well-wishers visit a hospitalized patient? How to Visit a Hospitalized Patient When someone you know is admitted to the hospital, it is a very stressful time for you and the hospitalized person. Especially if the patient is a child, the hospital can be a frightening and bewildering residence. When you visit a friend in hospital, he or she greatly appreciates it and it can relieve copious amounts of pressure, sorrow and confusion. Steps 1 Choose a Gift. Here are some ideas: •Flowers (most common choice). However, make sure your friend is not allergic to them. You can also bring in fake flowers the favourite colour of the patient you are visiting. •'Get Well Soon' Card. You can pick one up at Walmart and even write a heartfelt message of sympathy. •Candy. Food in the hospital can get quiet dismal, and sometimes patients want to have their favourite treats close by for comfort. Things like; Chocolate Bars, Poptarts etc. •Treasured items. If the patient you are visiting is a child, re-accommodate them with their favourite blankie or teddy bear that they left at home) •Stuffed ______ (another great choice for children), is another common way to express sympathy and evoke some hope for the patient and it gives them something to hold if things get tough. •Book (a great time killer for an older person). If the patient likes Motorbikes, or Cooking you could also buy them a magazine that will interest them and make time go by faster. 2 Locate the Patient. Arrive at the hospital and ask one of the nurses where the person's room is. Some hospitals have volunteers at the front desk who can help you find room numbers and locate the patient you wish to visit in their ward. 3 Walk quietly into the room. If the person is awake, say "Hi", and hand them the gifts. 4 Talk quietly. You can talk about whatever you want, but just be mindful of other patients that might be around in case they are resting. Funny stories are a good way to cheer the patient up and even involve other patients too, ( Like if your boss at work did something funny). How do I obtain my medical records? In most cases, you can request your records directly from your doctor or from the hospital medical records department. All hospitals and most doctors’ offices have a “release of information” form that you can use to request your medical records. In many cases, instead of using a form you can simply send a letter that includes information to identify your records: •Your birth date •Your full name (including information about any name changes) •Time frame when you were seen (for example, July 1998 to September 2000) •The specific types of information you want sent to you (such as reports from a brain scan, your cholesterol levels, etc.) You can have your records sent directly to you or directly to a health professional. If you have records sent to a health professional, let the professional know to expect the files. You may also want to think about creating an electronic personal health record (PHR). How can I find out if my doctor is giving me the appropriate medical care or treatment? If you have questions about your care it is appropriate to seek a second opinion from another physician. How do I file a complaint against my physician? To file a complaint about your physician, please contact your state medical licensing board, which can review physicians’ conduct at the local level and has authority to take action against a physician’s license to practice medicine. Your state medical society can be another helpful resource. Can I find out if a physician has had complaints against him/her in the past? Some states provide this information for free; others charge modest fees. How do I complain about the care I received during my hospital stay? How do I find a physician? Here are further guidelines. |