Hospitals May Be the Worst Place to Stay When You're Sick

Advocates agree that patients can minimize their risks by keeping a close eye on their care. Hospitals are busy places with lots of moving parts. "You cannot assume that people in the hospital have a really clear idea of who you are or why you're there," says Jean Rexford, director of the Connecticut Center for Patient Safety.

Here are some tips on how to protect yourself:

• Bring an advocate — a friend or family member — especially for check-in and discharge. Many hospitals have a patient advocate or staff person you can consult. Or you can hire your own advocate, but be aware that the profession lacks licensing requirements, so get referrals and check credentials.

• Bring a notebook. Write down all your medications, why you take them and who prescribed them. Include phone numbers of key personal and medical contacts (and don't forget your cellphone and charger). In the hospital, when questions arise, write them down.

• Bring a big bottle of hand sanitizer. Put it by your bed to remind you and the staff to keep hands clean.

For More:

• U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services Hospital Compare
  
• Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
  
• Consumers Union
  
• Connecticut Center for Patient Safety ("5 Things to Know")
• The Joint Commission Quality Check