A Stay in Hospital: It's Effects on Patients Flashcards
1
Q
What are some of the health hazards associated with hospitalisation?
A
- bed rest causes:
- deterioration in fitness, loss of muscle strength and ability to live independently
- particularly in elderly
- healthcare associated infections: can be reduced by the adherence to hospital infection control guidelines
2
Q
Describe some of the effects of the hospital environment on adult patients
A
- limited privacy
- wards can be stressful
- staff wear uniforms
- patient interacts with loads of new people
- objects in environment are unfamiliar
3
Q
Describe some of the effects of hospitalisation on adult patients
A
- loss of familiar social roles from work and home
- loss of control (due to restrictions)
- depersonalisation
- institutionalisation (become used to living in hospital)
4
Q
What are the different types of control?
A
- behavioural
- cognitive
- decision
- informational
5
Q
What is depersonalisation?
A
when your patient is treated as though he or she were either not present or not a person
6
Q
Why might doctors depersonalise their patient?
A
- a way of distancing from the fact that the body they are treated belongs to a thinking/worried person
- may help deal with patients deteriorating/dying
- overworked/stressed/tired
7
Q
Describe some of the issues related to the hospitalisation of children?
A
- separation anxiety/distress from family
- can believe that illness is a punishment for being bad
- can believe that they are their illness
- affects their behaviour
8
Q
What are the stages of separation?
A
- protest
- despair
- detachment
9
Q
How can hospitalisation affect children’s behaviour?
A
- can cause regression
- nightmares
- irritable
- can occur after they have returned home
10
Q
How can the experience in hospital for children be improved?
A
- day surgery/outpatient treatment when feasible
- preparation for hospitalisation
- nursing staf supporting/educating parents to care for their child in hospital
- reduce number of nursing staff dealing with particular child
- communicate with child as well as parents
