FOR OUR PATIENTS
Your Safety
UAB is recognized for our commitment to safety and quality. We take the safety of our patients, their family members, and visitors very seriously and have implemented a number of key practices to lower your risk of harm and make your stay safer. If you or your family has any patient safety concerns during your stay, you are encouraged to speak with your patient advocate or contact the Patient Safety Office at 205.996. SAFE( 7233).
It’ s important that you speak with your nurse or the unit secretary before leaving the unit and when you return. Many of your medications, therapies, and lab tests are on a schedule, and we need to be able provide you with the right care at the right time. If we ask you to stay on the unit, we will work with you to walk and be active as much as possible.
Id Bracelet
You will be given an ID bracelet with your name, date of birth, and medical record number when you are admitted. Please do not remove this bracelet or any others you may be given. For your safety, your care team will check your ID bracelet or verify your identity before examination, treatment, or giving any medications. It may seem like we are asking the same questions over and over, but this process ensures that the right person is receiving the right procedure or medication at the right time.
Preventing Infections
Handwashing is the single most important factor in preventing the spread of infection. All staff will“ gel in and gel out” or wash their hands when they enter and exit your room or before any hands-on care. Family members and guests should do the same. We encourage you to ask anyone who has contact with you if they have cleaned their hands. It is for everyone’ s benefit.
Medications
Tell us about any and all medications you are taking, including prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and any herbal, vitamin, or nutritional supplements. Carry a list of mediations and dosages with you and make sure your care team is aware of any allergies. While in the hospital, do not take any medications from home without first talking with your care team.
Your physician or nurse should discuss any new medications or changes in medications with you. Be sure you understand exactly what any new medications are and why they are being prescribed. Record medications, instructions, or any questions you have for your care team in the back of this book.
Pain Management
While in the hospital, you may feel some pain. Pain after surgery or in response to an injury or illness is normal. We will work hard to reduce your pain and keep you comfortable. Please ask your care team about what medicines and other options are available to help you feel better.
Your care team can explain natural ways to reduce your pain, such as how to calm your body, take your mind off your pain, apply heat or cold, move around safely, and take slow, deep breaths. These can reduce the amount of pain you feel and make you more comfortable. Calming images and music also can help ease your pain; you may access this type of programming on channels 115 and 116 on your hospital TV( channels 89 and 90 at UAB Hospital-Highlands), and it‘ s also available online at uabmedicine. carechannel. net( password: uabhealing). Please let your care team know what would make you more comfortable while in the hospital.
NONE MILD MODERATE SEVERE
6 Patient & Visitor Guide