Five things patients need to pay attention to before discharge - Knowledge section

by 60888888 on 2010-01-07 13:41:50

Recently, conflicts between doctors and patients have been frequent. Whose fault is it? Most of the reasons are that the doctor management system is not strict enough and patients lack common medical knowledge. Below I will introduce to everyone some precautions before discharge. Many hospitalized patients are eager to go home. However, a considerable number of patients forget an extremely important thing when they are discharged from the hospital - asking the doctor the following five crucial questions:

1. What is my discharge diagnosis? Am I fully recovered? What is the possibility of recurrence?

The discharge diagnosis may differ from the admission diagnosis. During hospitalization, after systematic observation of the condition and comprehensive examination, doctors often revise or supplement the initial diagnosis upon admission. Therefore, the discharge diagnosis is more accurate and comprehensive than the admission diagnosis. Especially in medical records, there is not only the main diagnosis of this illness but also the diagnosis of other diseases the patient has. Understanding these will give you a comprehensive grasp of your health status and is very beneficial for future self-health care.

In addition, diseases can be divided into three categories. The first category of diseases can be cured, meaning they can be completely or thoroughly treated. These diseases are mostly acute, such as pneumonia, acute nephritis, type A hepatitis, acute gastritis, and some surgical diseases treated by surgery. The second category of diseases can control symptoms but require long-term medication, such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, chronic hepatitis B, and some other chronic diseases. The third category of diseases is where treatment can only slow down the progression of the disease, such as liver cirrhosis with ascites which can only make the ascites retreat, heart disease with heart failure which can only control "heart failure", etc.

Different diseases should pay attention to different issues, and patients themselves often do not understand them well. They should ask their attending physician clearly so that they can have a clear understanding.

2. Should I continue taking medicine after discharge? Which medicines should I take and how to use them correctly? What issues should I pay special attention to during the medication process?

This is the key to preventing recurrence, and it must be asked clearly, and it's best to write it down on a notebook. According to surveys, most patients who experience relapse or worsening conditions after discharge are those who do not know how to use medications correctly. Not using medicine or misusing it is one of the important reasons for the recurrence and deterioration of the disease. Many people spend a long time in the hospital but still do not clearly understand the nature of their illness or what medicines they should take, completely relying on the doctor.

3. What are the signs of recurrence or worsening of the condition? How to detect them early?

This directly affects the effectiveness of subsequent readmission treatment. Because timely detection, rescue, and treatment can significantly improve the cure rate; otherwise, it could lead to serious consequences. Some patients, during their first hospitalization for acute myocardial infarction (AMI), delayed seeking medical attention because they were unaware of the early symptoms of "MI," almost costing them their lives. Regrettably, after discharge, if the disease recurs and the patient remains careless and unaware of the precursor symptoms of "MI," it could delay the rescue opportunity, leading to terrible consequences.

4. Do I need follow-up examinations? How often should I have a follow-up check? What items should be focused on during the follow-up?

Unhealed diseases should be reviewed regularly (or when certain signs of recurrence appear). Before discharge, you should ask the doctor clearly: how often should I have a review? In what situations should I have an earlier review? What items should I focus on during the review? Do not underestimate the importance of follow-up examinations, as it is an important way to check the treatment effect and detect recurrence or deterioration early.

5. How should I conduct self-health care in daily life?

For example, some patients should strictly avoid alcohol and smoking, or should not overwork, or should avoid extreme excitement. Before discharge, you must consult the doctor in detail and treat it as a rule you must follow after discharge.

When the patient is discharged, family members should actively help the patient complete this task, especially for the elderly or children, the role of family members is even more important. At the same time, hospitals should issue a health education prescription (medical advice) to each patient at discharge, clearly stating the matters needing attention at discharge.

I have summarized the above points for everyone, hoping to help you avoid unnecessary trouble.