Pre-hospitalization: What Is It For?
Pre-admission care is the process that takes place before your scheduled hospitalization. Its purpose is to assess your overall clinical condition, complete the necessary tests, and ensure the best possible planning for your upcoming surgery or treatment. It allows the medical team to gather all the information needed to ensure a safe and personalized course of care.
How and where do you access pre-hospitalization services?
Access to the pre-admission unit is by appointment, based on the waiting list and the medical team’s assessment: the date and time will be communicated to you directly by the department or the relevant administrative office. On the day of your appointment , you’ll need to go to the Pre-Admission Unit on the third floor and wait outside: the staff will give you a ticket number and explain the day’s schedule. When your name is called, you may enter the waiting room. For the duration of your pre-admission, you will be assigned a primary nurse.
How does the pre-admission process work?
During the pre-admission process, you will undergo a series of clinical and diagnostic tests, which may include: an anesthesiology evaluation, blood tests, an electrocardiogram, a chest X-ray, and any additional specific tests recommended based on the type of scheduled surgery or treatment. A complete medical history is also taken, with particular attention to current medications, allergies, and concomitant medical conditions.
How long does it last?
The pre-admission process varies in duration depending on the number of tests scheduled; as a general guideline, plan to be there from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Who will I meet during pre-admission?
During the pre-admission process, you will meet various healthcare professionals, including: the anesthesiologist, dedicated nursing staff, and, when necessary, other specialists involved in your care (e.g., a cardiologist or internist). The staff is also available to assist you with completing the admission paperwork.
To help you recognize the roles of the people who will be caring for you, the staff wears uniforms with different color codes:
- Red: Nursing Coordinator
- White: Doctor
- Blue: Nurse
- Orange: Coach
- Green: Auxiliary
- Yellow: OSS (Social and Health Care Workers)
- Celeste: Volunteer
What should I bring?
We recommend that you bring the following with you:
- a valid ID and health insurance card;
- an up-to-date list of medications taken, with corresponding dosages;
- all of your past medical records (reports, test results, discharge summaries) related to your current condition and any other medical conditions;
- any tests already performed, if requested during the planning phase.
Can someone come with me?
Of course, a family member or someone you trust may accompany you. However, we recommend that you check for any specific restrictions when making your reservation.
Contact
Admission Information
The doctor treating you at INOC—the National Cancer Institute of Candiolo—will arrange and process your admission and place you on the waiting list. The ward staff will contact you to let you know the date of your pre-admission appointment.
Arrival and paperwork
On the day of admission, we ask you to wait outside the ward for a summons from the medical staff. Remember that you will be asked:
- ID (also photocopy)
- Health Insurance Card (also photocopy)
- Name and phone number of your primary care physician
- Names and phone numbers of relatives or people to contact in case of need
- All available clinical documentation, including diagnostic and radiological tests
- the medications you routinely take
Rooms and common areas
Our health care staff will accompany you directly to your room after admission. The rooms are all comfortable, with private bathrooms, television and air conditioning. You will also find a small lounge or library in the wards.
Meals
Meals are prepared by an outside service and can be tailored to your preferences or dietary needs.
Safety and rules of the department
For your safety, it is not possible to leave the department without permission from the staff. However, personal furnishings, plants or flowers are not allowed to be brought into the room.
Visitor access
Your relatives and acquaintances can visit you in the wards at the designated times, always in accordance with any sanitation restrictions and according to the directions that are posted in the pre-referral and posted on the ward door. To help you rest and receive care in the best possible way:
- Only one visitor per person is allowed;
- You are not allowed to bring food, drinks or medicines that may interfere with treatment or examinations. If you have any doubts, always ask the ward staff (doctors or nurses);
- Bringing plants and flowers is not allowed;
- children under the age of 12 are usually not allowed in, unless special situations are authorized by the nursing staff.
Standards of behavior
To make your stay and that of other patients safer and more comfortable, we ask you to follow some simple rules:
- personal items and valuables: always keep your room locker locked, especially when you move away. Avoid leaving jewelry, valuables or large sums of money-the Institute is not liable in case of theft;
- Smoking: smoking is not allowed inside the Institute (L. 3 of 16/1/2003);
- phone and electronic devices: you may use your cell phone, computer or other audiovisual devices, but respect the rest and privacy of other residents. You are not allowed to bring power strips and power strips because they are not compliant. Keep the volume of devices low and turn off ringtones during health care services.
Following these simple rules will make your stay more peaceful and safe for you and those around you.
Resignation
Regular hospital admissions typically take place Monday through Friday. Discharges for regular hospitalizations can occur any day, while discharges for day hospitalizations can occur Monday through Saturday.
Upon discharge, you will receive a letter summarizing the treatment you received and providing instructions for continuing your care. If necessary, you will also be notified of any follow-up appointments that have already been scheduled.
We recommend that you keep your discharge letter and bring it with you to any follow-up visits, including those with other specialists or your primary care physician.
To return home, you’ll need an adult with a car to drive you home, as well as a trusted adult who can stay with you at home for the 48 hours following your discharge.