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As a patient entering a hospital, you always assume that the hospital setting is a sterile and very clean environment. Is that really the case? Alarming stories are circulated about the risk of infection during a typical hospital stay. Unfortunately, infection is often the risk of the procedure or surgery. In a recent Consumer Reports survey, “about 4 percent of patients told us they saw problems with hospital cleanliness, compared with 28 percent of nurses. Thirteen percent of patients said that their care wasn’t coordinated properly, but 38 percent of nurses said that was a problem. Five percent of patients, but 26 percent of nurses, said hospital staff sometimes did not wash their hands.” Nurses have a better behind the scenes perspective of what really goes on, so do not be afraid to ask questions about your care and about those taking care of you.
So, is it okay to ask your doctor to wash his hands? Absolutely. Any hospital staff should routinely wash their hands before treating you. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention healthcare workers should wash their hands (or use alcohol gel) before they treat you, and if they don’t, you should remind them. Even if you are not feeling well, asking politely will encourage a good relationship with the doctor and hospital staff. Simply saying that “you have heard a lot about infections in hospitals these days, and I need to take care of myself, so could I ask you if you washed your hands before you came in. If not it would make me feel much better if you could.” Many hospitals have campaigns to encourage patients to speak up and not to be shy. Staying in a hospital that is not over crowded and that has a higher ratio of staff to patients is also a good way to get the treatment you deserve and reduce your risk of infection.
Apr
29, 2024
Although Ohio isn’t one of the seven states in the U.S. that requires doctors to carry medical malpractice insurance, most doctors who practice in the Buckeye State have it anyway. That’s because they’re often required to carry it by the hospitals or clinics they work for, or because they simply want to protect themselves if […]
22, 2024
Medical malpractice claims are often difficult to win, and the difference between strong claims and weak claims is evidence, especially medical records. If you believe you’re a victim of medical malpractice, your medical records will be vital for building your case against the doctor, hospital, or clinic that you believe harmed you. These documents not […]
18, 2024
Injuries caused by auto accidents are painful, expensive, and can even be life-altering. When victims survive car accidents, they want to believe that the worst is over. But for some, the medical and financial consequences are just beginning. Shock is not just a term for being surprised or upset. It is an actual medical condition […]
15, 2024
The widespread availability of fast internet access and camera-equipped laptops, desktops, tablets, and smartphones mean that telemedicine and virtual doctor appointments are more convenient, personal, and effective than ever before. These types of visits became more and more common during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and for many patients, they have continued to be […]
08, 2024
One of the most important aspects of being a doctor is accurately diagnosing patients with the diseases or illnesses they suffer from. Accurately diagnosing patients gives doctors a chance to come up with treatment plans to manage their patients’ symptoms and help them get better, including prescribing medications, recommending surgery, and creating lifestyle modifications. However, […]
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