On a recent trip to Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur I visited a number of outstanding hospitals. I met with physicians, administrators and staff from every department. Like those who are considering travel to other countries for surgical procedures, I wanted to know the qualifications of the physicians, the accreditation of the facilities and the general hospital environment. I also wanted to know the ratio of nurses to patients. Many who have been hospitalized here in the US can recount the frustration of trying to get a nurse to come to the room to help with both medical and necessary daily needs. Often the entire hospital experience is overshadowed by what feels like a nursing shortage. Interesting, a recent study reported in the New York Times, suggests, that medical outcomes can be affected when the ratio of nurses to patients is low. Fortunately, in some of the facilities I visited, the nursing ratios were significantly higher than in the US making the whole hospital experience for patients very pleasant and, based on this latest study, a positive influence on their recovery.
So be sure to ask about the nursing ratios in the hospitals that you are reviewing for your surgery. Four to six patients per nurse is the proper ratio for general surgical services and one nurse for one patient in the intensive care unit.
by Mervyn F. Silverman, MD, MPH
Medical Director, Pacific Medways
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