PARTICIPATE IN YOUR PATIENT CARE AND VISITOR PLAN GUIDE
Here are some ways you can be involved:
• Listen carefully when the risks, benefits, and alternatives of any procedure are being explained – repeat what the doctors and nurses say in your own words and take notes.
• Ask any questions you have – speak up if something is unclear or confusing and keep asking until you understand.
• Only agree to those things that you fully understand.
• Remember that you have many rights as a patient including the right to refuse any treatments.
• Provide complete and accurate information about your medical history, conditions, and allergies.
• Let us know if you are participating in a research study.
• If you are having surgery, participate with the care team in marking your surgical site.
• Tell us who your family members or friends are and how you want them to be involved.
• Use the My Workbook section of this Toolkit to write down any questions, notes, or information.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Rounding
Nursing and clinical staff will visit you throughout the day to make sure you are comfortable and all your care needs are met. We call this“ hourly rounding”, and we will round on you once each hour while you are awake and every two hours through the night. We will ask about your pain and any other discomfort you may be experiencing. We will also assist you to the restroom and make sure you have everything you need within reach. If at any time during your stay you feel you are not getting very good care, please let us know. Speak up! This is your time to ask questions and be an advocate for yourself or your loved one.
Quiet Time
A calm and healing environment can support the patient’ s sleep, health and overall recovery. While we try to decrease noise, feel free to close your door when resting and notify us if we are being too loud. Tune to channel 116 on your television, which provides music to help you relax.
MAKING YOUR STAY MORE COMFORTABLE
Valuables
Every hospital visit is unique. Please check with your care team regarding what might be appropriate to bring or keep with you while in the hospital. We urge you to leave any valuables at home or send them home with family members. We know that trips to the hospital are not always expected. Therefore, if you have any valuables needing to be secured in the hospital safe, please let your nurse know and they will be able to assist. UAB is not responsible for valuables kept in patient rooms. uabmedicine. org 9