Familiarizing yourself with the following tips will help you to remain safe while in the hospital:

Medications
Always carry a list of the medications (prescription and over the counter) and herbal supplements that you routinely take, including the dosage and frequency. Make sure that you share this information with your doctors and nurses. If you brought any of these medications to the hospital with you, please send them home with a loved one or visitor. Don't recognize a medication? Ask the caregiver to check it before you accept it.

Call, don't fall
Even if you are normally healthy, you may be at risk for a fall during hospitalization. The effects of illness, bed rest, and medication, and the presence of medical equipment can disrupt your balance and cause a fall. While in the hospital, please follow these fall prevention guidelines:

• Ask staff for assistance when getting up.
• Get out of bed slowly.
• Wear non-slip foot wear whenever you are out of bed. Ask your nurse if you are unsure about your footwear. Non-slip socks can be provided if needed.

Help reduce the risk of infection
Remind caregivers to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer before they care for you. Encourage visitors to wash their hands too, or to use the hand sanitizer in the wall-mounted dispenser in your room.

Be patient with frequent ID checks
For your safety, your identification will be checked many times during your hospital stay. You may be asked to state your name and birth date, and your ID bracelet should be checked each time you receive a medication or a procedure. If you have questions or concerns about a procedure or treatment you are about to receive, be sure to speak up.

Speak Up
Don't understand something about your care?  If you have questions or concerns about your condition or treatment options, please be sure to ask.

Back to the Pre-Admission Tool Kit  

Source:
Edward Hospital & Health Services, Quality and Safety – Hospital Safety Tips. www.edward.org/body.cfm?id=517&oTopId=765. 01/08.