Common Cracks in Hospital Care: 10 Strategies to Avoid Hospital Hazards

Posted on August 30, 2022

Each year, approximately 36 million people are admitted to the hospital. The average time they spend there is 3-1/2 days. During that time, patients are vulnerable to common cracks in hospital care also known as hospital hazards or harmful complications in care. Despite best intentions, 12 million people are harmed by accident during hospital stays every year. Most of these are from common and preventable hospital- acquired conditions known as Never Events, because they should NEVER . . .

Each year, approximately 36 million people are admitted to the hospital. The average time they spend there is 3-1/2 days. During that time, patients are vulnerable to common cracks in hospital care also known as hospital hazards or harmful complications in care.

Despite best intentions, 12 million people are harmed by accident during hospital stays every year. Most of these are from common and preventable hospital- acquired conditions known as Never Events, because they should NEVER happen to you or someone you love.

The most common and preventable hospital hazards patients face include: MRSA, also known as C diff (staph), falls, blood clots, sepsis also known as blood infection, medication mix-ups, bed sores, urinary track infection, and pneumonia.

A good number of these incidents can be prevented through the diligent attention, observation and coordination on behalf of the patient by family or when needed, the services of a professional patient advocate.

Bedside Care Partners

Hospitalized patients forget 80% of what they hear. These lapses in memory are normal given the stress and effect of being ill, medications, unfamiliar surroundings and sleep deprivation from alarms and staff activity at the bedside and the hallways

Family members and friends who sit at the bedside, are the extra pair of eyes, ears and hands to listen, and to take notes for their loved ones. Patients have peace of mind knowing that someone is capturing important details for them at a time when they need to focus their energies on recovery.

There are a number of challenges that require attention when working with doctors and managing a hospital stay. The most significant is gathering and tracking complete, accurate information. Second is in making sure that everyone is literally on the same page with the same information -- all caregivers, the patient and family. You would also be surprised by how incomplete and inaccurate medical records can be.

Strategies to Avoid Hospital Hazards

1. Ask for a meeting with a discharge planner early in your loved one’s stay, ideally on Day 1.

2. Take Notes. You are going to want to keep track of “Who’s Who and What They do.

o The most simple and practical solution is to bring a good old-fashioned notebook and a supply of pens.

o Jot questions to remember to ask. Leave adequate space between each question to note the answers.

o List the patient’s goals, concerns and questions to share with doctors and nurses.

o Keep a record of all medications prescribed, given and stopped.

o Organize helpers for home care after discharge. Make notes... Who is going to do what?

3. Important questions need to be asked of the care team (hospitalist, specialist(s), nurse, case manager, etc.) each day.

o What is the plan of care and goals for the day?

o Are there going to be medications either started or to be stopped?

o What, if any tests are scheduled.

4. It is also important to make sure the patient’s goals, questions and concerns are shared with the care team.

5. Get friendly with the hospitalist.

This is the physician in charge of all care for patients in the hospital. He or she takes over for the patient’s main doctor, who may know the patient and medical history better.

A typical hospitalist covers care for about 23 patients at a time, which is a heavy load. You’ll want to make sure the hospitalist knows your loved one well.

Do not hesitate to speak up and make sure the hospitalist has:

o Your insider knowledge of the patient’s medical condition.

o Share the patient’s goals, questions and concerns.

o Clear and accurate records.

6. The #1 way to prevent infection is keeping hands clean. No one should touch a patient without washing their hands first.

o It’s easy to ask a 3-year-old to wash their hands. Much harder to ask an adult – much less a doctor or nurse, but you must.

o A polite, but firm request is completely OK. Surprisingly, doctors skip this step about half the time. It’s up to you to remind them… as hard as that may be.

7. Hospital germs can attack anyone with deadly force – even in the very best hospitals. Superbugs are everywhere!

o Ask for antibacterial surface wipes and hand cleansers for every room. Alcohol wipes kill staff bugs, and bleach wipes kill C. diff.

8. Due to illness, prolonged periods of time in bed, medications, recovery from surgery and other procedures, very patient is at risk for a fall.

o Make sure the call button works and is in easy reach.

o Ask for a 3-prong cane and non-skid socks.

9. Too often confusion shown by patients in the hospital is chalked up to dementia – even when the patient is admitted with a mind that’s sharp as a tack.

o Only the family and close friends may know that. Make sure hospital staff does as well.

o Confusion can signal a lot of other serious problems, namely hospital infections, medication side effects and more. Or maybe, the patient took a fall and got up on their own and the staff didn’t know.

10. The discharge process can be hurried.

o Beforehand, make a list of all your loved one’s daily living and medical needs.

o Be part of the discharge conversation. Take notes. Ask questions. This is not the time to go to the parking lot to get the car!

o Find out who to call if you or your loved one has questions later.

o Ask for a list of things to watch for as early warning signs of potential problems.

For additional information on hospital checklists and tools & information for patient safety visit The Care Partner Project: https://thecarepartnerproject.org.

Contact CarolAnne Dube, MS, BCPA, a Care Partner Speaker, to schedule a presentation for your group or next meeting. (941.267.7109 or [email protected])

Topics include: Safe & Sound in The Hospital, 10 Times When You Must Speak Up to Get the Best Care, Your Super Power Against Superbugs, Your Advanced Care Plan, What We Learned from Covid, and The Telehealth Trend.