The last thing anyone wants to do when they come home from a hospital stay is to return to the hospital. Readmission rates seem to be on the rise, especially readmissions within 30 days. It is estimated that approximately 20% of patients admitted over the age of 65, will be readmitted to the hospital within 30 days. Although some of these readmissions are planned, many of them are not and can be avoided.
Patients are being discharged from the hospital earlier and earlier. In order to continue their care at home, patients need a complete understanding of their discharge instructions and plan of care.
To reduce your chances of readmission, follow these simple steps:
Understand changes to your medications
It is estimated that 10% of all hospital readmissions are somehow related to improper medication administration. Why is this? Medication adjustments are frequently made during a hospital stay. Many patients will have a medication added, removed, or have their dosage changed. Leaving a hospital can be a stressful time for both the patient and the health care providers. It is during this time that medications are reviewed and discharge instructions given. If you are not 100% sure about your medications and your discharge instructions, ASK QUESTIONS!! If not, the assumption is that you understand.
Joe was on a blood pressure, water, and an anti-seizure medication. During his hospital stay, his physician changed each type of medication to a different brand. He was supposed to stop taking his previous medications and take his new ones. Joe was admitted 5 days later with dizziness. The reason? He didn’t realize he was supposed to STOP taking his previous medications and only take the new ones. He was taking 2 blood pressure, 2 water, and 2 anti-seizure medications! If you are not 100% sure, ASK QUESTIONS and don’t leave until you are comfortable with the information.
Ask about follow-up care
Patients are the most vulnerable during the first few weeks after discharge. Not knowing the plan for care at home can halt any recovery and send the patient back to the hospital.
I used to work as a homecare nurse. I can’t tell you how many times I met with patients after they were discharged from the hospital, asked them about their follow-up care and learned that they had no idea what they were supposed to do. Basic things like when to follow up with their physician again, what tests were needed, wound care instructions, etc. Even with printed discharge instructions, they just didn’t know. That’s why it is so important that before you leave, you have a clear understanding of what you need to do to continue your recovery. Don’t leave without asking.
Know what symptoms are normal, which ones require a phone call to a physician and which ones require emergency care.
I think this is the scariest part of leaving the hospital. What if you start having symptoms again? What symptoms are bad and which ones are to be expected? Understanding this can give you the greatest peace of mind and let you know if you are experiencing a complication.
For example, if you have a knee replacement, pain is to be expected and actually might increase as you engage in more activity. However, pain in your calf area is NOT normal and needs to be evaluated for a possible blood clot. Likewise, it may be normal for you to have a slight temperature (99 – 100), however a temperature of 101.5 or higher indicates infection and should prompt a phone call to your physician.
The key is to make sure that before you leave the hospital, you or your loved one have a complete understanding of the plan of care. If you’re not sure, ask. Don’t leave before you know.
Take care and be well
R.Thompson, MSN, RN
To find out how advocacy can help you or your loved one, please contact the advocates at Uppta at www.uppta.com
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