Questions to Ask Before You Leave the Hospital

Yeah! It’s time for you or a loved one to be discharged and leave the hospital. Hello, comforts of home. Goodbye, constant stream of medical professionals poking and prodding and checking on you. But wait. In the hospital, you have access to almost every type of medical professional available, which you won’t have when you get home. Therefore, now – before you leave the hospital - is the time to ask questions and ensure you understand how to properly care for yourself when you go home.

You may hesitate to ask questions because you’re eager to get home, you don’t feel mentally with it, you’re overwhelmed, or you don’t feel comfortable talking to medical professionals. Still, most doctors and nurses will welcome your questions.

Why? Because it helps you better understand your diagnosis and treatment, gives you a better idea of how to care for yourself when you get home, and lowers the risk of readmission to the hospital. According to a new Yale study, “More than one in four (27.6%) [older Americans not living in nursing homes] had readmission to the hospital within 180 days after major surgery; nearly one in eight (11.6%) were readmitted within just 30 days.”

Consider recruiting a trusted friend, family member, or caregiver to help you create a list of questions and to help you process the answers. Jot down questions as they come to you throughout your stay, and don’t be afraid to take notes. The following list of questions is an excellent place to start.

Questions to Ask Your Medical Team Before You Leave the Hospital:

1. What should I expect during my recovery?
   This is a generic question that could provide information about the level of pain you may experience, what to watch for, etc., and may lead to additional questions.
    
2. How long should my recovery take?
   Everyone’s recovery is different, but it’s good to know how long it typically takes someone to recover. Imagine if recovery typically takes 10-15 weeks, and you assume you’ll be right as rain within the week. This could result in an injury from doing more than you should or, at the very least, worry over what you perceive as a slow recovery.
    
3. What medication do I need (both generic and brand name), and where will I get them?
   Knowing both the generic and brand names can help ensure that you aren’t already taking the medication and that you are taking the correct medication. Sometimes, the hospital pharmacy will provide your medication when you are discharged, and sometimes, they’ll call it into a pharmacy where you need to pick it up. 
    
4. What is the dosage, and how often should I take the medications?
   Directions on the bottle aren’t always crystal clear, so it’s good to clarify how much, how frequently, and how long you should take any prescribed medications. 
    
5. Are there any side effects of the medication?
   The paperwork that comes with your prescription should describe all potential side effects. Still, it’s good to hear the most common side effects from a medical professional so you don’t panic if you experience them.
    
6. What symptoms or signs should I look for that could indicate an issue with my recovery?
   Understanding what is and isn’t normal and what symptoms and signs to watch for can help you recognize any issues that should be addressed before they worsen or cause additional harm.
    
7. Do I have any dietary or activity restrictions?
   Sometimes, you’ll leave the hospital with no restrictions, but you will often have some limitations. Your doctor may tell you to avoid certain foods or only lift a certain weight or any number of other restrictions that, if ignored, could derail your recovery.  
    
8. Do I need any medical equipment?
   When you leave the hospital, you may need a walker, crutches, or other medical equipment. It’s always best to have those ready and waiting for you when possible. 
    
9. Have you notified my primary care physician?
   Your primary care physician should be kept in the loop to help you manage your condition once you leave the hospital. You should notify them if the hospital has not done so.
    
10. Do I need to schedule any follow-up appointments or tests?
    If you had surgery, you will most likely have a follow-up appointment with your surgeon to ensure that your recovery is going well. Your physician may also order follow-up tests or tests for a potential issue they discovered during your hospital stay. Ensure you understand precisely what you need to do and how (for example, will they schedule it, or do you need to schedule it).  
     
11. Do I need any modifications to my home?
    While you may have been medically cleared to leave the hospital, you may not be as strong, healthy, or mobile as when you went into the hospital. Your healthcare provider may recommend grab bars and rails for the bathroom, bed rails, a walk-in tub, etc., to make your home safer and your life easier.

Helping You Transition From Hospital to Home to Independence!

Comforting Home Care by Phoebe Transitions℠ program helps you or your family member transition from hospitals or rehabilitation institutions to the comforts of home upon discharge. This program fills the non-medical gap between institutional medical care and life at home.

Call today at 610-625-5206 or connect with us online.