To improve your health, your doctor recommended a medical procedure. Understandably, you may feel nervous and want to do everything possible to protect yourself and your health. After all, you do not want to become a cautionary tale about medical malpractice.
The American Academy of Family Physicians breaks down tips for staying safe during hospital stays. Patients deserve to know how to protect their interests and mental health using valuable information.
Choose the right hospital
Those who have a choice in where they undergo surgery may feel better at a facility familiar with whatever procedure they need. When performing a surgery feels like second nature, medical professionals may not make mistakes.
Ensure the staff follows basic hygiene rules
It may seem like common sense that doctors, nurses and other health care professionals should wash their hands, but not all practitioners and facilities follow this basic rule all the time. While in the hospital, patients need not hesitate to ask hospital staff to wash their hands before changing bandages, checking vitals or anything else.
Check that everyone stays on the same page
Patients also have the right to double-check that their medical team agrees and understands the operation. Several doctors, therapists, nurses and surgeons may work together to treat a single patient. If one person misses or does not understand a vital detail, such as which body part to operate on, disaster could result.
You hold more cards than you realize in your surgery’s outcome. When you understand how to advocate for yourself, you could go into surgery with an unburdened mind.
