PATIENTS OFTEN DON'T KNOW THEIR RIGHTS.

By Nancy L. Bassett

Public education about medical issues frequently waits until a family member is hospitalized. That time is too emotional and traumatic to begin to learn how families can affect patient hospitalization, recovery and outcomes.

Families should know what documents have been completed by each family member and where to find them. Paramedics and EMTs, when called, will want to know if they will be providing all life-saving measures to the patient, and if not, which measures the patient has determined unacceptable. Upon or prior to admission, all adults should be familiar with the Patient Self-Determination Act, which is a required form in California for all admissions, no matter how minor the illness or surgery.

Patients and families have rights of which they might not be aware. A test or a procedure can be requested OR REFUSED. A regularly-scheduled meeting of family and physicians can be requested during lengthy hospitalizations. Ask which doctor is in charge of the case - he/she is the person who should be coordinating all the test results and consults. Ask for information!

As a Board member for the Palomar Pomerado Health System, I will propose and support public education, especially among the elderly. Be informed and get involved - staying advised and updated may affect the outcome of your hospitalization.