The Informed Patient

"In this immensely useful and readable volume, Karen A. Friedman and Sara Merwin demystify the hospital experience and provide patients and families the information they need to navigate the confusing swirl of a hospital stay. Bring this book with you to the hospital—it will make your stay more understandable, it will keep you more engaged, and it might just save your life."—Robert Wachter, MD, author of The Digital Doctor

"The Informed Patient is a must-read for anyone ever hospitalized, going to be hospitalized, or caring for a friend or family member who is, was, or will be hospitalized. The reader will be given the skills and confidence to approach a hospitalization in an informed manner, demystifying the experience."—Nick Fitterman, MD, FACP, SFHM, Northwell Health and Hoftstra Northwell School of Medicine

"The Informed Patient is a  comprehensive  encyclopedia used to assure the safe landing of patients and caregivers as they navigate through the complexities of health care encounters . A must for all consumers of the health care industry."—Victoria L. Rich, PhD, RN, FAAN

"Patients who use this book to guide them through their hospital stay will be well rewarded. These days hospitals want to partner with patients and want them to be informed. Karen A. Friedman, MD, and Sara Merwin, MPH, have written a useful reference book where patients can look up what tests they are about to have and what procedures they are having. The fact that this book walks a patient through their stay and explains why things can take so long is also a strength."—Leif R. Hass, MD, Alta Bates Medical Center, Oakland, California

"Dr. Friedman and Ms. Merwin have created a purposive walk through the hospitalization process, from ER all to discharge instructions. The writing is accessible and a must-read for anyone facing hospitalization, and real-life examples make the text that much more meaningful.  Well-organized chapters and a thorough glossary and index help the reader find focused information, while educating the layperson on medical terminology--a necessity in this day and age where patients must often advocate for themselves and family members. The book is a delight from start to finish."—Frances Williams, MD, hospitalist, palliative care director, medical bariatrician, wound care physician