Hospital Stays

     Research shows that patients tend to have better results when they are treated in hospitals that have a great deal of experience with their condition.

     Handwashing is an important way to prevent the spread of infections in hospitals. Yet, it is not done regularly or thoroughly enough. A recent study found that when patients checked whether health care workers washed their hands, the workers washed their hands more often and used more soap.

     This includes learning about your medicines and finding out when you can get back to your regular activities. Research shows that at discharge time, doctors think their patients understand more than they really do about what they should or should not do when they return home.

Surgery

     Doing surgery at the wrong site (for example, operating on the left knee instead of the right) is rare. But even once is too often. The good news is that wrong-site surgery is 100 percent preventable. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons urges its members to sign their initials directly on the site to be operated on before the surgery.

Other Steps You Can Take

     You have a right to question anyone who is involved with your care.

     This is especially important if you have many health problems or are in a hospital.

     Do not assume that everyone knows everything they need to.

     Even if you think you don't need help now, you might need it later.

     It is a good idea to find out why a test or treatment is needed and how it can help you. You could be better off without it.

     Ask about the results.

     For example, treatment recommendations based on the latest scientific evidence are available from the National Guidelines Clearinghouse at http://www.guideline.gov. Ask your doctor if your treatment is based on the latest evidence.

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