Here at the COPD Foundation, we talk a lot about watching for early warning signs of a COPD exacerbation, following your COPD Action Plan COPD Foundation Educational Materials, and doing all you can to stay out of the hospital. However, sometimes an exacerbation or something else may happen that makes it necessary for you to be admitted to the hospital. Here are some ways to make your hospital stay, discharge, and recovery as smooth and easy as possible.
1. Access to your medical record
As a patient you are entitled to access your medical records, either through the medical records department at the hospital, or your electronic patient portal. Familiarize yourself with your admitting diagnosis (why you are in the hospital), possible testing, and terms having to do with your care. By doing this, you will be better prepared to talk with those caring for you in the hospital, and how you can maintain your overall health after discharge.
2. Advocating for yourself
It’s important for you, a trusted advocate, or both of you, to be informed about what’s going on with your care. If possible, your advocate should be there with you at the hospital to watch, listen, and talk with your health care provider and other professionals. This way you will both understand what’s going on—and be able to ask questions if needed. Note: Make sure your advocate is able to take breaks and get enough rest through the course of your hospital stay.
3. Knowing your care plan
What is the purpose of your hospital stay—to help you get over an infection, gain strength, be able to maintain a specific oxygen saturation, or something else? Using a COPD action plan COPD Foundation Educational Materials may be an important part of this care plan. Know that, in addition to the doctors who see you on this hospital visit, other health care professionals may look at your medical record to help determine your treatment and care after discharge.
4. Asking questions
Don’t be afraid to ask questions about anything you don’t understand or something that’s making you uncomfortable! The key to getting the best answers is knowing who to ask. For example, if you’re asking about the use of your inhalers or other COPD-related equipment, ask a respiratory therapist. If you don’t know who to ask, your care manager can tell you. If you don’t know who your care manager is, ask your nurse and find out when your care manager will be there to talk with you.
5. Having a clear understanding of your follow up care
It’s easy to be so happy you’re getting out of the hospital that it’s hard to take in everything you should know about what to do after discharge: if there is a change in your medications and if you have to pick them up on your way home, how to make a follow-up appointment with your doctor, and how to get any other support such as physical therapy, housekeeping help, support group, you need. Ask, also, if pulmonary rehabilitation is available to you. Connect with your care manager or discharge planner about any other medical benefits covered in your health insurance policy, as well as programs in your community.
Remember—knowledge is power. Following these suggestions will help you get the most out of your hospital stay and be more likely to have a smooth discharge and a full recovery.
If you’re a person with COPD who in the past has needed care in the emergency department or as an in-patient, can you share with us what worked well for your transition back to home, questions you were glad you asked, or questions you wish you would have asked?
Let’s talk! I look forward to hearing from you!
Guides for Better Living - Hospital to Home: Your Hospital Experience and Transition Home COPD Foundation Educational Materials
My COPD Action Plan COPD Foundation Educational Materials