24 Seven August 2020

a Healthcare Proxy document
set up. This will protect you in
circumstances when you are
unable to make decisions for
yourself. Also, have an Advance
Health Care Directive compiled
so it is clear to your person who is
making decisions for you, when
you can’t, what your wishes are.
Be Prepared
It is wise to ensure which
hospitals in your area are in your
health insurance network ahead
of time. You can also check
the hospital(s) ratings. Some
hospitals are safer than others.
You can check the LeapFrog
Hospital Safety Grade website,
and if you are having surgery,
you can check your surgeon’s
ratings at Propublica’s Surgeon
Scorecard site.
Communication Plan
This pandemic has made very clear the need to have
a communication plan while in the hospital. You may
have many family members or friends that want to be
involved in your status and recovery. It is essential to
have one person who is dedicated to liaising with the
nursing staff, social workers, and medical team to stay
on top of the plan of care and test results.
It is wise to set up a patient portal for the hospital
so certain data can be monitored. This person needs
to introduce him/herself to the medical team as the
person to be directly involved in every detail of the
hospitalization. Ask each member of the medical
and hospital team for a business card/contact
information and the best times to get updates.
Monitoring Progress
Always be aware of what the daily treatment plan
is for the day. Frequently, the plan of care and/or
goals are written on a whiteboard in the patient’s
room. Understand what all of your medications are
indicated for and their possible side effects. If a new
medication is started while in the hospital, make
sure you know who prescribed it and why. Ask what
the potential benefits and side effects are.
If you have any imaging tests, ask the reason
for the test. Request the results as soon as they are
available and if the results require any additional
treatment. Understand the lab results they are
collecting and what they mean.
This may all be too much for you as the patient
From The Story
“This
pandemic has
made very
clear the need
to have a
communication
plan while in
the hospital.”
since you may want to concentrate on healing. Have
your loved one, friend, or private patient advocate
maintain a notebook and keep detailed notes on your
progress and actions taken while in the hospital.
Hospital Tool Kit
It can be helpful to have a bag containing
vital information should you have an emergent
hospitalization. This could include the following:
• Fact sheet – contains your name, address, phone
number, date of birth and any allergies
• Emergency contact person – name, phone
number, email and text information
• Medication list – list all the prescribed drugs, over
the counter drugs and supplements you take
• Medical conditions – list any chronic or acute
diseases
• Past surgeries and hospitalizations – a list of any
surgeries or hospitalizations you have had listed in
date order
• Insurance information – a copy of the front and
back of your insurance card
• HIPAA or Healthcare Proxy document
• Advance directive
• POLST or MOLST form, if available
• Power of Attorney
• Patient portal information
• Overnight bag with your cell phone and charger,
24 hours of medications, hearing aid, glasses,
notebook and pen, toiletries.
• Other – a note about anything special the hospital
staff or emergency responders should know about
you if you are not able to communicate yourself.
There were many people during this pandemic that
were admitted to the hospital in an emergency and
there was unavoidable stress due to no visitation for
family members. Being prepared with a plan, a contact
person, and the above information can increase the
ability to communicate and lessen the stress.
About The Author
LORIE GARDNER, RN, BSN, NBC-HWC
Lorie Gardner founded Healthlink Advocates,
Inc., to assist people with all aspects of their
healthcare. As private nurse patient advocates
and board certified health and wellness coaches,
they partner with clients seeking assistance
navigating the complex healthcare system
and those seeking self-directed, lasting health
improvements aligned with their values.
To Learn More Visit:
www.healthlinkadvocates.com