The Experts Providing Your Surgical Care
This guide explains the multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, and medical staff that provide your care while you are at the Hospitals.
Your Medical Team
The University of Chicago Hospitals is among the finest academic medical facilities in the nation. All of our patients receive treatment based on the best and latest advancements in medicine. As an inpatient, you have a team of medical experts working together to ensure you receive the finest care available.
The physician responsible for your care is called the attending physician. As a specialist and a faculty member of the University of Chicago, the attending physician oversees all of the medical activity related to your condition. He or she consults with your personal physician or clinic about your care.
Several residents may manage your continuing care during your hospital stay. Residents are doctors who have completed their medical training and are now receiving advanced training in a specialized area of medicine. Interns are first-year residents.
Your team of physicians may seem large, but remember that there is one specialist in charge of your care. This physician is always available to handle any medical problems you may have.
Your Care Team
Direct patient care is provided by care teams made up of a:
- Registered nurse (RN): Responsible for all patient care, including the care he or she personally provides as well as the care provided by team members under his/her direction.
- Licensed practical nurse (LPN): Provides a wide variety of nursing care--including treatments, medications, and diagnostic procedures.
- Patient care assistant (PCA): Helps patients with daily activities and care that do not require licensed personnel.
- Patient care technician (PCT): Draws blood, gives respiratory treatments, and performs EKGs as needed.
- Patient service assistant (PSA): Maintains the overall appearance of patient rooms and the nursing unit, and assures that supplies and equipment are available.
Other members of your care team include:
- Case manager: Helps coordinate patient care and treatments. He or she is a single resource where patients can get all the information they need while at the Hospitals.
- Patient care manager: Manages the daily operations of the unit.
- Patient service coordinator (PSC): Answers the call button attached to patient beds and helps patients get the assistance they need.
If you or a family member has a problem or concern, you can contact any member of the care team. They will assist you and, if necessary, contact your physician or the physician on call.
Your Multidisciplinary Team
The multidisciplinary team is a group of professionals who work to meet patient and family needs. The team may consist of:
- Chaplain
- Dietitian
- Pharmacist
- Physical therapist
- Respiratory therapist
- Social worker
- Other staff necessary to provide the best patient care
Patient Centered Care
At the University of Chicago Hospitals, we deliver care that is centered on the patient. In other words, the healthcare and services we provide focus on the individual needs and values of our patients and their families. This care is guided by the following principles:
- Respect for patients and their families.
- Staff, patients, and families work together to meet the patient's medical, social, psychological, and spiritual needs.
- Patients are told about possible outcomes and progress in a caring manner.
- Patients receive quality, cost effective care.
- The environment contributes to the patient's comfort and well-being.
- Patients and family members are informed and educated in a manner that is clear and consistent.
- Care and services are provided by compassionate individuals.
More Information
- The Experts Providing Your Surgical Care
- What to Expect When You Have Surgery
- Recovering from Your Surgery
- After You Leave the Medical Center
- Special Programs When You Leave the Hospitals
- Pain Control After Surgery
