Highly trained doctors and nurses care for seriously ill patients in intensive care units (ICUs) using cutting edge equipment and techniques. Although patients generally receive high-quality care, ICUs can be dangerous for patients due to the combination of very sick patients, invasive treatments, and the high stress environment. What are the dangers for ICU patients? […]
Patient Empowerment Blog
Risks for Patients in Intensive Care Units
Highly trained providers treat the sickest of the sick in intensive care units (ICUs) using high-tech equipment. We’ve all seen the news stories about COVID-19 patients receiving treatment in ICUs. Of course, it’s not just COVID patients who need ICUs. Other very ill patients who are at high risk also receive care in the ICU. […]
What You Need to Know About Medical Device Recalls
Not all medical devices are safe. Patient harm can occur when a device malfunctions, or otherwise causes harm. When a device is deemed dangerous, manufacturers usually issue a device recall. As patients, we should know if we have a dangerous medical device implanted in our bodies, or if we use a dangerous device to monitor […]
10 Tips to Communicate Better with Doctors
How you communicate with your doctor impacts your health. It can even make a difference between life and death. But it can be hard. Your doctor may use medical terms you can’t understand. And with time-squeezed appointments, doctors often rush and/or interrupt patients. Moreover, when you’re dealing with a serious health condition, you feel stressed […]
Does Your Doctor’s Age Matter?
As I age, doctors somehow get younger and younger. I swear that I have seen doctors as young as Doogie Howser (note – if you don’t get this reference, you are young enough that doctors seem old to you!). On the other hand, I’ve also seen doctors who seem too old to be working at […]