Importance of Responsible Behaviour in Hospitals

During my recent stay as a caregiver for a critical patient in a busy tertiary care hospital, I was deeply concerned by the glaring deficiencies in basic healthcare practices. As a healthcare quality standards expert, it was disheartening to see the lack of essential protocols such as screening, triage, and zoning in the emergency department. The absence of these foundational elements raised serious questions about the Assessment of Patients (AOP), patient care, and continuity of care, particularly in a teaching hospital that imparts advanced medical training to doctors. Even critical procedures like CPR were not conducted according to standards, and infection control practices were visibly lacking.

While these details will be shared with the relevant authorities, I want to emphasize the responsibilities of visitors, patient attendants, and patients themselves. This serves as a reminder and a request for the general public to cooperate with another tertiary care hospital, SKIMS. “We are working on how to make emergency services better and tackle the huge rush. We are working on how we can add manpower and make medicines available. We will take the required measures to ensure that the SKIMS emergency is better,” said the Director of SKIMS during a National Doctors Day event. Hospitals are sanctuaries of healing and care, where every visitor and patient play a critical role in maintaining the efficiency and quality of services.

Overcrowding Emergency Departments

Overcrowding in emergency departments exacerbates the strain on healthcare facilities and compromises the quality of care. Visitors and patients must be mindful of when it is appropriate to use emergency services. Non-urgent cases should seek care through primary healthcare providers or outpatient clinics to ensure that emergency services are available for those who genuinely need them.

Practical Steps to Avoid Overcrowding

Assess the Situation: Before heading to the emergency department, evaluate the urgency of the situation. Minor ailments and non-critical conditions can often be managed by a family doctor or urgent care clinic.

Use Alternative Services: Many hospitals offer nurse hotlines or telehealth services that can provide medical advice and determine whether a visit to the ED is necessary.

Educate Yourself: Understanding when to use emergency services can help reduce unnecessary visits. Community education programs can play a significant role in this.

Maintaining Hygiene

One of the most disturbing observations during my stay was the lack of basic hygiene practices. Visitors and patients must adhere to hygiene protocols to prevent the spread of infections and maintain a clean environment.

Key Hygiene Practices

Hand Washing: Frequent hand washing with soap and water or using hand sanitizers is crucial. It’s one of the simplest ways to prevent the spread of germs.

Proper Disposal of Waste: All waste, including used tissues, masks, and gloves, should be disposed of in designated bins. Improper disposal contributes to a dirty and hazardous environment.

Avoid Littering: Littering not only makes the hospital environment unpleasant but also increases the risk of infections. Ensure that all waste is disposed of properly.

Proper Use of Hospital Facilities

During my stay, I noticed misuse of hospital facilities, which not only causes damage but also affects the overall functioning of the hospital. Visitors and patients must use these facilities responsibly.

Responsible Facility Usage

Washroom Etiquette: Keep washrooms clean and report any issues like broken taps or clogged toilets to the hospital staff. Avoid unnecessary water usage and maintain hygiene.

Respect Hospital Property: Avoid damaging hospital property, including ceramics and fixtures. Such actions lead to increased maintenance costs and inconvenience for others.

Designated Eating Areas: Use designated areas for eating and avoid eating in wards. This helps maintain cleanliness and order.

Addressing Infection Control Practices

Infection control is a critical aspect of hospital management. Unfortunately, during my stay, I observed a complete lack of infection control practices. As visitors and patients, adhering to infection control measures is vital for everyone’s safety.

Infection Control Measures

Social Distancing: Maintain appropriate social distancing, especially in crowded areas like waiting rooms and corridors. This reduces the risk of spreading infections.

Report Unhygienic Conditions: If you notice unhygienic conditions, report them to the hospital staff immediately. Prompt action can prevent the spread of infections.

Benefits of Adopting Responsible Behavior

Adopting responsible behavior in hospitals benefits not only the individual but also the entire healthcare system. It ensures that resources are used efficiently, the environment is kept clean, and care is provided to those who need it most.

Enhanced Patient Care: Proper use of emergency services and adherence to hygiene protocols enable healthcare providers to focus on delivering high-quality care.

Cleaner Environment: Maintaining cleanliness reduces the risk of hospital-acquired infections, ensuring a safer environment for patients and staff.

Efficient Use of Resources: Responsible behavior ensures that hospital resources are used efficiently, reducing wastage and the need for frequent repairs.

While it’s essential to hold authorities accountable for maintaining hospital standards, visitors, patients, and patient attendants also have a critical role to play. By avoiding unnecessary overcrowding of emergency departments, maintaining hygiene, using facilities responsibly, and adhering to infection control practices, we can contribute to a better, more efficient healthcare system. Responsible behavior not only helps the hospital function smoothly but also ensures that every patient receives the best possible care.

Dr Fiaz Fazili is Certified Quality professional in Healthcare , and has served as Director Total Quality management