Shorter hospital stays related to cost containment with managed care, make another area important. That is patient education.

In hospitals who set the highest standards and have the budgetary ability for its support,there is a patient education department or at least the ability to provide to patient educational material. In most hospitals the nursing standards includes the provision of education to patients and families along with the appropriate literature related to their illness and incorporates this into nursing care.

Budget cutting that excludes the process of patient education falls short in meeting the needs of patients and fails miserably in our health care system.

What does this mean to a patient? It means from the time you enter a hospital until and including their discharge, there should be ongoing information provided.

It begins with instruction on the use of your call bell, with essential confirmation that you understand by feedback to your nurse. All the questions you are asked provide healthcare staff of important information, such as any allergies you may have. A wrist band should include your name and allergies. Read the rest of this entry »