Surviving the Night Shift...

Surviving the Night Shift at Hospitals

Night time and weekend care might be good for the hospital’s bottom line; not necessarily for the patient.  According to health writer Sandra Boodman, night and weekend care often result in “higher rates of errors and poorer patient outcomes.”  The sparse staff and slower pace translate into slower delayed responses.  But when there is no choice, here are some tips for protecting patients:

Here are some suggestions offered by experts to help patients and families protect themselves:

·         Ask if the hospital employs hospitalists or nocturnists, doctors who specialize in treating inpatients.

·         Check whether an experienced physician, not just a resident, is on duty and at the hospital at night outside of the emergency room.

·         Take your meds to the hospital with you (and any relevant records).

·         Keep after-hours information for your doctor; a call from your doctor can make the difference! 

For more on this topic, read:  Hospitals Turning To Nocturnists -- Doctors Who Work Nights -- To Improve Care