How to Get out of the Hospital Alive: A Guide to Patient Power - Hardcover

Blau, Sheldon P.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0028612183 ISBN 13: 9780028612188

Publisher: Hungry Minds Inc,U.S., 1997

Synopsis

Dr. Sheldon Blau was always a good doctor, but he became a much better one after he suffered a cardiac arrest and found himself a patient in his own hospital. There he almost died not of the heart attack, but as a result of typical mistakes that all too commonly befall patients. Fortunately, Dr. Blau had an insider's medical knowledge of treatments and procedures, and was able to control damage and recover. Now Dr. Blau and Elaine Shimberg, a patient's rights educator, team up to advise anyone facing a hospital visit how to get adequate even superior medical care. They describe the tasks and perspectives of each of the members of the medical team. They disclose the most common medical errors and tell how to prevent them. They advise when to make demands and when to make nice. Most of all, they tell patients and their families how to become active, knowledgeable participants in their treatment and recovery. The result is a book that brings assurance, comfort, and personal power to anyone facing a hospital stay. Sheldon P. Blau, M.D., is an attending physician at Winthrop University Hospital, a Clinical Professor of Medicine at SUNY Stony Brook, and a Consultant in Rheumatology at area hospitals. He has written several professional and lay books. Elaine Fantle Shimberg, the author of many health books, is the first lay member of the Florida Medical Association's Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs.

About this title

From the Back Cover

Dr. Sheldon Blau almost died after undergoing open–heart surgery not from the surgery or heart disease, but from infectious bacteria introduced during surgery. His in–hospital experiences made him a better doctor, and inspired him to write How to Get Out of the Hospital Alive. The book describes the role of each member of the medical team, shows patients how to become active, effective members of that team, and offers concrete advice about ways to avoid the most common hospital–related errors. Ten Things You Can Do to Get Out of the Hospital Alive Make sure all your known allergies are clearly marked on your chart, wrist band, or on a piece of paper taped above your bed. Mark the area of your body to be operated on with a felt–tip pen. Never eat or drink anything before surgery, even if the nurse brings you a food tray. Tell your anesthesiologist if you're on any type of medication. Have a reliable advocate with you as often as possible throughout your hospital stay. Write your name prominently on a piece of paper and tape it to the wall above your bed. Always ask the nurse to check the name and dosage of any medication he or she is about to give you. Don't let anyone bully you. Don't hesitate to get a second or third opinion. Trust your instincts. Visit us online at http://www.mgr.com

About the Author

SHELDON P. BLAU, M.D., is an attending physician at numerous hospitals in Long Island, a Clinical Professor of Medicine at SUNY Stony Brook, and a Consultant in Rheumatology at New York area hospitals. ELAINE FANTLE SHIMBERG, the author of many health books, is the first lay member of the Florida Medical Association's Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs.

Edition details

• Publisher: Hungry Minds Inc,U.S.
• Publication date: 1997
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0028612183
• ISBN 13: 9780028612188
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 226