Care Team Notebook
In recognition that 24/7 presence at our patient’s bedside is crucial and that not all of us can personally provide 24/7 care, I recommend the usage of a “tag team” concept in Hospital Stay Handbook. By asking friends, neighbors and family to assist in advocacy, you not only reduce your own personal burden but also benefit from “new eyes.” This notebook will passively “coach” advocates in what should be observed and, as necessary, negotiated with hospital care providers.

In order to stay organized and keep track of all the medical interventions, set up a “Care Team Notebook” prior to or immediately upon hospital admission if your patient’s stay is expected to be anything more than a short, overnight visit! In that way, you are ready to request help whenever well-meaning and caring individuals ask what they can do. I offer it here so it is easily accessible and you can print it out in order to get started.

Find any 3-ring binder that still works and secure either a set of tabs or different colors of paper for each section. The sections of this book should include the following:
 
  • Sign-up Sheets – in which you place a sheet of paper for each day with four-hour shifts. Make sure that you do NOT have a change in personnel at the same time there is a shift change at the hospital! This is a particularly vulnerable time for your patient and you want to ensure the uninterrupted presence of an healthcare monitor;
  • Doctor Visits – in which you ask each care team member to record every doctor visit/outcome that occurs during their shift;
  • Procedures – in which you ask each care team member to record any procedures done and the expected and actual outcomes;
  • Notes – in which you ask each care team member to record any observations during their shift;
  • Questions – in which each care team member lists any questions they have for medical personnel for future shifts;
  • Outside the Hospitals Tasks and Chores – in which you list things that need to be done to keep your family and household functioning, divided into categories such as personal care for your loved one, transportation, household chores, childcare, etc.;
  • Legal Documents – including a copy of the Durable Medical Power of Attorney and Living Will; and
  • Emergency Contact Information – for yourself as well as key medical personnel.
The recommended forms for inclusion in your Care Team Notebook can be accessed here.