Be Educated

• Learn everything you can about your illness.
• Be sure you understand the treatment and care you will be receiving. If you are not able to take part in your care then ask a relative or friend to assist by asking questions.

Keep Notes

• Keep notes on your medical history, including any medical conditions, illnesses, past hospital visits, medications and any allergies you may have.

Participate in Your Health Care

• Adhere to the treatment plan for which you have agreed with your physician and health care team.
• If you have any safety concerns, discuss these with your health care team.
• If something does not feel right with your treatment or medications, inform your physician, nurse or other member of your health care team.
• If you feel hopeless, helpless or have lost interest lately in activities, please let your physician or nurse know.

Medications From Home

• Your physician will decide which medications you should continue while hospitalized and the pharmacy will supply you with all your medication needs. All medications brought from home into the hospital should be sent home with a relative or friend.

Medication Instructions – Be Clear

• Ensure you know which medications you are taking and why you are taking them.
• Always ensure that your nurse or other healthcare team member checks your armband and asks your name prior to administering any medications.
• You should know when you are supposed to receive medications. If you do not receive your medication then make sure your nurse or physician is called.
• Staff administering your medication should identify you by name and birth date. This goes for any procedure, too.

Infection Prevention

• Always wash your hands before eating and after using the toilet, coughing or sneezing. We also, encourage you to use the alcohol hand gel dispensers that are located just inside the door of each patient room. You will also notice them throughout the facility in many locations for everyone’s use.
• Remind physicians, other members of the health care team and even your family members to wash their hands or use the alcohol hand gel before entering your area and when they leave.
• Please be aware of any signs on patient room doors that list special precautions for entering the room. If you are not sure what to do, please check with a nurse to find out what is needed.
• For the safety and protection of patients and hospital staff, we observe standard precautions (taking appropriate protective measures with all blood/body fluids) at OakBend Medical Center.

Be Informed about Your Surgery

• Make sure you know who is performing your surgery. Ask them what they will be doing and how they expect you will feel afterwards. If you have any questions about your care, ask your surgeon.

Understand Discharge Instructions

• You should ensure that you receive both verbal and written discharge instructions – follow these.
• If you do not understand – ask questions.