Having surgery: What you need to know
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
This online resource is for patients who are facing surgery that is not an emergency. Some of the information on this site may help you and your family understand more about an upcoming surgery, whether it has to be done right away or can be done later. http://www.ahrq.gov/consumer/surgery/surgery.htm
Preparation for Hospital Stay
Betsy Lehman Center for Patient Safety and Medical Error Reduction
This website offers many suggestions related to hospital care. Topics range from weight loss surgery tips to general hospitalization tips (see Consumer Information tab). http://www.mass.gov/dph/betsylehman
Speak Up: Help Avoid Mistakes in Your Surgery
The Joint Commission Partnership
This site offers a downloadable guide that suggests steps to follow both before and after surgery to reduce the risk of medical errors. http://www.jointcommission.org/PatientSafety/SpeakUp/speak_up_ws.htm
"What You Can Do" to Prepare for Surgery
The Partnership for Healthcare Excellence
Simple steps to help you prepare for surgery can be found on this easy-to-follow fact sheet. "What You Can Do" to Prepare for Surgery