The trip to the emergency room is so common it is almost a parenting rite of passage, but most parents are baffled by the acute health care system. Knowing how to deal with medical staff and what questions to ask can be the difference between a one time ER stop and a long series of unfortunate events. As you run out the door, grab a pen and paper so you can jot down the answers to these questions.
What Caused This?
In some cases, such as with broken bones, the cause is obvious. In others, as with asthma attacks and freak rashes, several factors could be to blame. Emergency room personnel often focus more on treating the medical issue than determining its cause, but knowing what may have contributed to your child’s illness or injury can prevent a repeat visit.
What Can Be Done to Prevent a Recurrence?
If your child’s emergency was caused by an injury, you will want to know how to prevent this in the future. Emergency room staff are aware of what activities cause the most serious injuries and can give you and your child valuable tips on staying safe. If your child is ill, you can ask what measures will help them get through their next illness without a trip to the hospital. Also, remember that an emergency room visit doesn’t always bring a cure. Ask the doctor up front what symptoms you should be watching for, as well as when to call the family doctor versus when to bring the child back to the hospital.
What Kind of Follow Up Care Is Needed?
A competent doctor would never send a patient home without the medication and equipment he or she needs, but physicians often neglect to detail what follow-up visits and physical therapy will be necessary for a full recovery. Parents should ask what services will be needed in the future, at what interval, and whether they should seek these services at the hospital, with their regular physician, or elsewhere. Don’t leave the emergency room without a referral and explicit instructions.
Where Can Parents Find More Information on This Illness?
Whether your child has a broken bone, a common illness, or something more exotic, informing yourself is crucial to recovery. Often, doctors have pamphlets and literature on dealing with your child’s particular malady. If not, they can direct you to reputable websites and national organizations with accurate information. By doing your own research, you can more thoroughly answer any other questions you may have and, if this is a chronic or recurring illness, better prepare yourself and your family for the next trip to the hospital.
You should never feel embarrassed or hesitant to ask intelligent questions of your doctor. Most doctors appreciate concerned parents and are more than willing to discuss your child’s health with you. When your child is ill, information and education are your key defenses, and the only way to gain either is by asking.
