Be prepared: it’s the Boy Scout’s motto and it applies to patients too. Anything a patient can do to help doctors out will in turn lead to better outcomes for the patient. For elderly people or people with illnesses that could potentially require hospitalization at any time, there are steps that can be taken to ensure a smoother process. As mentioned in a Dallas Morning News article, preparing a collection of certain medical items can assist any paramedics or doctors who may see the patient.
Having medications collected, and things like contact information written down ahead of time can save some headaches for a patient who may end up in an emergency room. Also, having an advance directive handy helps ensure that correct end-of-life decisions will be made. And if patients really suspect they will be in and out of hospitals a lot, they can pre-pack some clothes and reading material that will be included with those other items. This is just another small thing patients can do to help the doctors who will be helping them.
See the news story on this in the Dallas Morning News.
