recommends saying something like, “I want to make
sure that I fully understand what you’re saying; could
you repeat that and explain to me what this means?”
or, “Doctor, I’d like to ask you a few questions.” It can
help too for a physician or nurse to hear how much it
means to you to have their extra attention, so you might
say, “When I fully understand what’s going on I’m not
as anxious and I won’t have to make extra calls to you
or have my family members do so.” If you’re struggling
with a diffi cult decision about your care, patient edu-
cator and advocate Rabbi Edgar Weinsberg, Ed.D., D.D.
recommends asking, “What treatment would you select
if you were in my shoes?” Of course every patient needs
to be a good listener too. And if you can’t take in all the
information because you’re tired or medication is in-
terfering with your concentration, jot down some notes
or ask a family member or friend to do so.
instead of worrying silently that hospital staff
who shake your hand, take your blood, change
your IV or check your vitals are spreading germs…
…speak up and simply ask everyone to wash
their hands, says Luther Rhodes, M.D., chief of the
division of infectious diseases at Lehigh Valley Infec-
tious Diseases Specialists, in Allentown, Pennsylva-
nia. “This is one situation not to be embarrassed
about. Patients need to speak up and ask. Also, ask
nurses or aides to help you reinforce this with visi-
tors; they can play ‘bad cop.’” Why is this so important?
The risk of hospital-acquired infections is a serious one, so don’t be
embarrassed to ask everyone who touches you to wash their hands fi rst.
Kathy Scortino, R.N., a counselor and oncology The risk of hospital-acquired infections such as MRSA
clinical specialist at Wellness Place, a cancer educa- and pneumonia is a serious one, and it’s on the rise.
tion and support center in Palatine, Illinois. Always So ask everyone who comes into your room to put on
ask your questions directly but respectfully, suggests a fresh pair of disposable gloves, use an antibacterial
Scortino. Every prescription drug comes with written gel or wash their hands well. “This can be tough to
information about how to take it and possible side ask,” concedes Nancy Beck, R.N., a critical care nurse
effects and interactions; ask your pharmacist for this with more than two decades of experience. “Say this:
if you don’t receive it when you pick up your prescrip- ‘I don’t mean to be rude, but I was watching this TV
tions at the drugstore or hospital pharmacy. show that says hand-washing is better for your health
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and mine, so would you mind?’ I’d make the point
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instead of
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feeling frustrated when you don’t that it is for their safety too.”
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understand medical terms or a diagnosis, test or
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treatment (or pretending you do understand)… instead of
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wondering when you’ll get some /
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…speak up
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and respectfully—but insistently, if face time with your doctor…
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you have to—ask for explanations about what’s hap- …speak upand fi nd out when she’ll be making
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pening to you. Make sure to approach the situation rounds. When you do see her, ask how she prefers to
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with the attitude of wanting to collaborate and partner be contacted if you or your patient advocate have any
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with your healthcare providers, Scortino says. She follow-up questions. Write down all her informa- © ©
24 the patient magazine 2010
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