Understanding Patient Care: Facility-Specific Guidelines & Communication Tips

Because patient care protocol varies from facility to facility, find patient care information that corresponds to the facility where the care is provided. Many facilities provide documents highlighting their patient care standards.

Oral Information

• Listen carefully to doctor instructions.

  Doctors, nurses and other health care providers give oral instructions to the patients under their care. It is always a good practice to listen carefully, bring a friend or family member, or take notes, when visiting the doctor.

Printed Information

• Post surgical instruction sheets provide patient care information.

  Printed patient care information sheets are used in some facilities. Examples include brochures on conditions and treatments; handouts with diagrams and exercises for therapy; printouts on medication side effects and dosages; and postoperative instruction sheets.

Online Information

• Ask your doctor about information available on the Internet.

  Physicians often save clinic time by referring patients to the Internet for basic information on illnesses, conditions, medications and treatments. Health care websites contain patient information sections for printing patient care instructions, and they may include educational videos, diagrams and interactive forums.