Checklist for Surgery

Start by becoming an informed patient. Ask as many questions as possible about every aspect of your procedure and hospital stay.  Refer to your checklist and don't be afraid to revise it. 

• Designate a health-care proxy. Forms are available at every hospital, and you are not giving away your rights by doing this. This person will have the legal right to access your medical records and make decisions for you based on your preferences in case of an emergency.
• Tell your doctor about every prescription, herbal remedy, and over-the-counter medication you take.  To simplify things, put them all in a plastic bag and take them to your pre-surgery appointment. If you don’t inform your doctor, there is the risk that one of them might interact with a prescribed medication.
•  Find out all the details of your surgery. If possible, take someone with you when you meet with your doctor so they can take notes too. Two heads are better than one. Ask questions about – 

• Risks, benefits, and alternatives
• How long will the surgery last?
• How long will the recovery period be?
• What medications will be used? 
•  Do not schedule surgery during the month of July – that’s when new interns and residents start their rotations. Also, try to have it done early in the morning and early in the week when hospitals are fully staffed.
•  Ask your doctor about pain management now. Fill any prescription for pain medicine before surgery. You don’t want to be standing in line at the pharmacy in pain. Make sure there is no confusion about dosage.  

Dealing with Acoustic Neuroma
Shortly after being diagnosed with acoustic neuroma, the next step that patients must face is to weigh out all of the options that are available to them.

Women and Heart Disease
In the past, women were not always included in large research studies about heart disease, and this is believed to be the reason that death rates for men are improving faster than those for women.

Cervical Cancer Treatment Options
The most common choices of treatment for cervical cancer is to undergo a hysterectomy. This procedure involves the removal of the uterus.

Did you know, on average, a hospital patient is subject to one medication error a day? What will you do if the pain medicine isn’t working or the nurse tries to give you a medication you know you’re allergic to?  

Don’t fall into the trap of being a passive patient.  Be proactive and ready to question anything. You may find you’re allowed more pain medication, but the doctor didn’t mention it to you. Communication errors happen all the time in hospitals.

There are several things you should do before, during, and after your hospital stay. This list is in no way exhaustive, but is meant to give you a starting point toward becoming an informed patient.  

If you’re nervous about an upcoming medical procedure, redirect that nervous energy in a proactive way. You can begin by reading The Informed Patient, an ebook which spells out everything you need to know to avoid medical errors during your upcoming hospital stay.

 Should you not find it helpful, there’s a 60-day 100% money-back guarantee so you have nothing to lose. Download it directly to your computer by clicking the link above.

Creating a Culture of Safety in the Ambulatory Surgery Environment: Implementation Guide