Hospital Companion System – Starter Ward Pack

Situation Snapshot

• Families arrive overwhelmed and information-heavy
• Staff are time-poor and face repeated questions
• Discharge preparation is frequently incomplete
• Need: low-friction tools that families can use independently and staff can introduce in under two minutes

Immediate Next Actions

1. Print and brand the Admission Day Checklist for the ward
2. Place the Staff Orientation one-pager at the nurses’ station
3. Introduce the Daily Log to the primary family member on arrival

Core Tools – Ready to Use

1. Admission Day Companion

Patient + Family Packing List

• ID, insurance card, current medication list (printed), phone + charger, notebook + pen, soft socks, lip balm

First Contact Scripts

• Registration: “I am the primary contact for [Patient Name]. Can you confirm the ward, room, and the best number for updates?”
• First Nurse: “I will be supporting [Patient]. Can you walk me through the next 4 hours and who the attending is today?”

First 4-Hour Checklist

• Confirmed room/bed and nurse name
• Handed over medication & allergy list
• Asked: “What is the plan for the next 12 hours?”
• Asked: “When are the next rounds?”
• Written ward phone number
• Started the daily log

2. Daily Hospital Rhythm

Simple Daily Log (paper or phone):
Date | Primary family member
Time | What happened / Who said it | Pain/Symptom (0-10) | Meds | Open questions | Family energy (1-5)

Micro-routines

• Morning: Review log + write 2–3 priority questions
• Midday: One clear family update using the template
• Evening: Capture 3 key changes + overnight plan

Family Update Template
“Update [Date/Time]: [Patient] is currently [status].
Today’s main points: 1… 2… 3…
Next expected step: …
I am okay / I need [specific help]. Please reply only if urgent.”

3. Communication Scripts

• “I want to make sure I understand. Can you explain the main point again simply and tell me the next decision point?”
• “Who is the attending doctor today and when is the best time to speak with them?”
• “Can you please write the key points or medication changes for us?”

4. Discharge Readiness

48-hour checklist: expected discharge window, full medication list, follow-up appointments, red-flag symptoms, transport arranged.
24-hour checklist: final medication review, written instructions, home setup confirmed.

Family Coordination
Primary family member uses the daily log and one clear update message to protect their energy and keep the wider family informed without constant messages.

Video Scripts (45–70 seconds each)

1. The First Four Hours – family arrives overwhelmed → uses Admission Checklist → gains clear next steps
2. Getting a Clear Answer During Rounds – uses the simple script → doctor slows down → answer is written
3. One Clear Update Instead of Twenty Messages – uses the template → phone goes quiet → family member rests

Printable / Shareable Format
All tools above are provided as clean, editable markdown/text so the ward can brand them, print them, or share digitally.

Next Steps for the Ward

1. Add hospital logo and local contact numbers to the files
2. Print 20–30 copies of the Admission Checklist and Daily Log
3. Brief staff using the one-page orientation guide (under 5 minutes)
4. Start with new admissions this week and collect quick family feedback after 7 days
5. Review after 4–6 weeks and decide whether to expand beyond the single ward

This system is designed for real ward conditions — tired families, rotating staff, and limited time. It reduces friction without adding clinical workload.