Med/Surg Admission Education

Learn what you can do to help remain safe and and avoid medical complications while you are in the hospital.

Learn how honest communication with staff members and asking questions when you are not sure about something can help you stay safe during your hospital stay.

Unfamiliar hospital environments, medications that may be new, having just given birth, or dealing with a medical condition that may make them weak or unsteady are all reasons why patients might be considered at risk for falling in the hospital. Learn how healthcare facilities decide if someone is a fall risk, the steps that may be taken to prevent falls and some tips that patients can follow to keep themselves safe while they are in the hospital.

Whether you are at a care facility or just roaming around your home, it is important to take the necessary steps and precautions to minimize your risk of falling. In Speak Up™ To Prevent Falls, several residents showcase different ways to reduce one's risk of falling.

It's important to remember that as a hospital patient, you have rights.

As a patient, you have the right to be informed about and make decisions regarding your care. You also have the right to care that is free from discrimination, as well as the right to have a patient advocate. In Speak Up™ For Your Rights, learn about the different rights you have as a patient.

Watch how you can help reduce the risk of mistakes in your personal identification badges, medications, and treatments.

Patients are often presented with a variety of treatments, medications and procedures that can be complicated and sometimes difficult to understand, both in terms of the expected result, but also in terms of possible side effects. One of the best ways to overcome this challenge is for patients to ask a lot of questions of their healthcare providers, so they can make the most-informed decisions for their own care. Patients can also play an important role in preventing infections while they are in the hospital.

Taking medications properly is another part of compliance. Medicines may not work unless taken as prescribed. Or they can leave you dizzy, sick or worse. Or, without knowing it, you could counteract one medicine by taking it with another. Take part in treatment decisions and, if you don't understand something, ask questions. Carefully follow the agreed upon treatment plan, and watch for and work with your healthcare team to solve any problems.

Dr. Clyde Yancy, former American Heart Association president, stresses the importance of understanding and taking your medications.

See the common strategies used in the hospital for preventing pressure injuries.

Learn what deep vein thrombosis is, and what puts you at risk for this dangerous condition.

See how your healthcare team will work with you to reduce your chances of developing deep vein thrombosis in the hospital.

Learn the importance of receiving and understanding the instructions you should follow after you leave the hospital.

You have just finished your hospital stay, and where you go next depends on the type of care you need. Once discharged, the goal is to avoid a return trip to the hospital. Wherever your health care journey leads you, always be sure to know the next steps for follow-up care. If you have questions on medications or instructions, speak up!

Learn the importance of understanding how to take a newly prescribed medication safely and effectively.

It's normal to feel stress from time to time. But if the stress lasts a long time and doesn't go away, you may need to take take steps to manage it in order to stay healthy. Coping with stress starts with identifying what triggers your stress and then figuring out a positive outlet for those stressful feelings.

Acute pain is pain that is short term, occurring most often after injury or surgery. Patients need to understand that managing their acute pain actually helps their healing, and they play an important role in helping their doctors develop a pain management plan that works best for them.

1 in 5 patients is readmitted to the hospital after being discharged. The Transitional programs help to make this transition home and what to do to be able to remain home. Learn about these programs and how to take advantage of this service.

Understand the purpose and parts of this legal document and how to create your own.

When patients become actively involved in their own health care, there's a stronger likelihood they will understand their health condition and their medical instructions, which can lead to safer care and better health outcomes. 'Questions Are the Answer' features real-life patients and their clinicians who give first-hand accounts on the importance of effective two-way communication by asking questions and sharing information.

Caring for someone you love after a heart or stroke can be hard. The responsibilities and the emotional stress can cause you to forget to take care of yourself. These rights will help you remember that you have a right to health and happiness, even when you're caring for someone else. They'll help you realize that the emotions and pressures you may be feeling are normal. © AHA

You play a key role in developing your medication treatment plan. It's important to work closely with your health care providers. These could include your doctor, nurse and pharmacist. © AHA

Use this chart to document the name of your medicine, its color, what it's for, dosage, how often and when to take, the prescribing doctor, pharmacy phone number, special instructions, and refill date. © AHA