Home Healthcare

Different Types Of Hospitalization and Hospital Admissions

SonderCare Learning Center

What are Different Types of Hospitalization and Hospital Admissions? People are sent to the hospital for many reasons, not just for serious operations or treating life-threatening emergencies. There are several types of hospitalization and hospital admission for inpatient management. The most common are Elective Admissions, Direct Admissions, Holding Admissions, and Emergency Admissions. Depending on the needs, these admissions bring different levels of medical care.

Learn About Different Healthcare Admissions and Hospitalizations

Elective Hospital Admissions

Elective hospital admissions make up most admissions, though how many depends on the hospital. These stays are when someone has a known medical condition or complaint that requires further treatment or surgery and hospital care, but patients can work with their doctor to alter the time of the admission for convenience. A doctor will make a hospital bed reservation for the patient on a specific day that can change as needed.

The doctor may tell the patient to go to the hospital in advance for lab tests, X-rays, ECGs, or other prescreening tests. For seniors aging at home or in a facility, as well as patients with mobility needs, an in-home hospital bed for resting before or after the elective date can make the experience much more comfortable.

Direct Admission Hospitalization

Direct admission would occur after the patient has seen or spoken to their doctor, who feels they must admit them to the hospital for immediate medical care. The doctor may arrange an ambulance to take the patient to the hospital or request that they go to the hospital themselves; the doctor may be able to make a bed reservation, too.

Holding Admission Hospital Stays

Holding or observation admission often takes place through the emergency department. The patient is admitted for diagnostic testing and, unless something shows up that requires another level of care, they will be discharged within 24 to 48 hours.

For example, if a senior loved one has chest pain that does not appear to be related to cardiovascular disease, but it’s not 100% in the doctor’s expert opinion, the patient may be admitted for further tests to ensure it wasn’t a cardiac episode. If the holding shows that they had a heart attack, the healthcare providers make it a full admission; if not, they would be discharged and sent to the doctor for further testing.

Emergency Admission Hospitalization

Finally, there are emergency admissions, which go through the hospital’s emergency department. A medical emergency is any serious injury, condition, or symptom posing an immediate risk to someone’s life or health. If they need emergency care, the hospital may admit the patient to a floor, a specialized unit, or an observation unit.

How Can I Prepare For Hospital Admission?

Seniors and their loved ones won’t always know when a hospital visit is necessary. What they can do is be prepared when it has to happen. Everyone should have the following information stored in a safe, central location in case of hospital admission.

Identification like a driver’s license, medical card, emergency contacts (relatives and friends names and phone numbers), and name(s) of the primary care physician and the specialists that treat the patient.
A list of all current medications – including strength and frequency – as well as any treatments or over-the-counter medications. Never lie about what you are taking.
Necessary medications. Keep them in a carrying case or have one handy for quick packing.
A list of all allergies, including the reaction the patient has to them.
A list of all medical conditions and all past surgeries or procedures (not just the most recent).
Make sure to fill out a living will and appoint a medical power of attorney. This way, your wishes about end-of-life medical treatment are documented if you cannot speak for yourself.

If you or a loved one are in the hospital for an elective admission, you have more time to prepare. Another loved one can also supply them should an emergency or holding admission be necessary.

Important personal items like smartphones, chargers, batteries, eyeglasses, mobility equipment, and hearing aids.
Toiletries, like soap, shampoo, a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and a hairbrush. The hospital will likely have basic supplies, but many patients do not like them.
Moisturizer and lip balm. Hospitals can be very drying, making the patients uncomfortable.
Clean underwear, socks, and pajamas.

Being admitted to the hospital for care and recovery can be stressful; the problem can be more difficult if a patient has Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. An in-home hospital bed and other assistive equipment may help patients reduce the amount of time they need to spend in a medical facility and help them get back to familiar surroundings sooner.

Frequently Asked Questions About Types Of Hospitalization

What are the three ways of a patient's admission to a hospital?

Entrance into the hospital on an elective basis to treat or diagnose a specific medical condition. The emergency department also admits patients on an emergency basis. Same-day surgery is another common admission type.

When admitting a patient what are the basic procedures?

The first step in admission is securing a physician admitting orders sheet/doctor’s order or admission notice slip from the emergency department. As a second step, secure permission for admission and gather data before verifying completed forms for completeness and accuracy. As a final step, confirm room preferences and coordinate with nursing staff.

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