Acknowledgement
We would like to acknowledge the use of information contained in The Parkinson’s Disease Society fact sheet 'Going into Hospital' in compiling this information.
Our thanks also to Dr Subramanian Manickam, GP Registrar, Cumberland Infirmary, UK, for his contributions.
Going into hospital can be an anxious time and for people with Parkinson’s it is important to be well prepared. Careful planning and making sure that the hospital staff are aware of your needs can help enormously. The importance of discussing how Parkinson’s affects you personally cannot be underestimated; it is key to your safety and quality of life whilst in their care. If you meet with a lack of understanding be patient in trying to explain as most will be keen to help once they recognise your needs.
During your stay, if something is unclear to you about your care or surgery always ask questions and make sure you understand any choices to be made. If you feel that something is not being done as it should be, particularly if medication is being missed or given at the wrong time, ask staff to check your notes again and amend your care plan for other staff to see. Don’t feel a nuisance – everyone, including doctors and nurses, need reminders sometimes. And remember, showing respect for staff and thanking them when they get things right can work wonders and make them far more willing to help.
Hospital routine can differ greatly from your daily life, and you may be nursed by people who have no experience of caring for those with Parkinson’s. This information is designed to help you and your carer to prepare for and effectively manage your stay. Much of the information can also be applied to going to a day hospital, or a care home.
In recent years the prevalence of superbugs, like MRSA, call for greater care and precaution when in hospital. Here are some helpful tips to protect yourself, your family and friends from health care-associated infections:
In many cases hospital admission is planned and it is likely you will have an appointment in advance during which your medical history will be discussed and your in-hospital and post-hospital care explained. Take any important information and details regarding your care to this meeting: contact details, medication notes, dietary requirements, difficulties going to the toilet etc, and raise any concerns you have.
If a particular member of staff will be responsible for your care, request that they be given a copy of the information you provide. It should be possible for key points regarding your care to be included on your personal file by your bed for all staff to see.
Should you undergo surgery ask for details of the procedure – what advance preparation is required (for example, from what time should you not eat beforehand), the duration of the operation, how long before you will be able to get out of bed, what the anticipated recovery time is etc. By having this information in advance you can discuss any concerns with your own doctor and plan any necessary changes to your medication or routine. Your doctor can also discuss any special needs with hospital staff to ensure that appropriate care plans are in place for you.
If you do not have an appointment prior to admission then you should still gather together important information regarding your particular needs and ensure that they are discussed with hospital staff when you are admitted.
You should also speak with the healthcare professionals who provide your routine day-to-day care – your doctor, pharmacist and physiotherapist, for example – and let them know that you will be going into hospital. Ask if they have any information, leaflets or other literature that will be useful to pass to hospital staff.
The word hospital comes from the Latin ‘hospes’ meaning ‘host’. This is also the root for the English words hospitality, hotel and hostel where you might be hosted by someone during your stay.
If you are admitted to hospital in an emergency it is important that staff are made aware as quickly as possible of your needs in managing your Parkinson’s. There are different emergency admission procedures for each country but, if possible, ask for your own doctor to be contacted so that they can quickly explain your needs to the hospital staff.
It is wise to prepare your carer or close family and explain what should happen in the event of an emergency. Keep important information close to hand – perhaps by the telephone, in your handbag or wallet or another obvious place – including details such as the following:
If you live alone you may consider having an emergency alarm in your home or on a device worn around the neck, which if pressed will notify someone at a 24 hour response centre that you need help. Availability and charges vary from country to country – ask your doctor or local Parkinson’s association for more information.
You may also want to wear an emergency bracelet or necklace on which your contacts and important medical details are engraved. Various companies provide such items 2 – again ask your doctor or local Parkinson’s association for more information.
The first hospitals were often founded and funded by religious orders or charitable individuals and leaders. Care was generally provided by those involved with the various religious orders or by volunteers.
An informal term for a strain of bacteria that has become resistant to antibiotics usually used to treat it.
Within a vein.
A thin, flexible tube inserted into the body to inject or remove fluids.
A person qualified to prepare and dispense drugs, and give advice on prescribed medications.
Health profession that treats people of all ages who have physical problems that occur as a result of injury, illness or ageing. Methods they use include exercise, heat treatments, manipulation and hydrotherapy.
See section on Physiotherapy.
Terms used to describe people who look after or provide support, voluntarily and without payment, to relatives, partners or friends who are ill, aged or disabled.
See section on Carers.
A treatment option for people with advanced Parkinson's disease. It uses one or two surgically implanted medical devices called neurostimulators, similar to cardiac pacemakers, to deliver electrical stimulation to precisely targeted areas on each side of the brain. This is commonly called deep brain stimulation. Stimulation of these areas appears to block the signals that cause the disabling motor symptoms of Parkinson's. As a result, many patients achieve greater control over their body movements.
See section on Deep Brain Stimulation [DBS].
The term diathermy means "electrically induced heat" and is a physical therapy using high-frequency electric current, ultrasound, or microwaves to deliver heat to muscles and ligaments, increase blood flow, relieve pain, or destroy diseased tissue and abnormal cells.
Also called cauterization or electrodiathermy.
A medical imaging technique involving a scan that uses radio waves to generate an image of body tissues. It is especially useful for examining the nervous system, muscles and bones.
Any symptom or situation such as substance abuse, emotional health issues, or other health conditions, that might put you at increased risk for an otherwise recommended treatment and is therefore not advised.
