HELP +SCIPP is a specialized unit within Stanford Hospital designed to accommodate patients with complex chronic pain problems. It is designated as a behavioral medicine unit; as such there is a mixed group of patients with both medical disease and psychiatric disease.
The staff of the unit includes Anesthesiology Pain Specialists, Psychiatrists, Pain Specialist Nurses, Psychologists, Social Workers, and Physical and Occupational Therapists. The design and operation of SCIPP recognizes that people with chronic pain conditions are affected physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually and therefore need interdisciplinary treatment to improve their health.
Reasons for Hospitalization:
The two primary reasons for patients being admitted to the Stanford Hospital Pain program before attending the HELP program is to optimize their medications and to improve their functional status. During the inpatient stay there are frequent significant medication changes made with the goal of quickly but safely finding the best doses and combinations of medications. For some patients this process may mean eliminating opioid medications (detoxification) while for others it may mean increases in these or other medications. These changes are made with your consent and involvement.
What to Expect During Your Stay on HELP +SCIPP
Medical Care:
Medical care is handled by a team of practitioners and it is common that the physician personnel taking care of you during your stay will include: Attending physicians (Psychiatry and Anesthesia Pain Specialists), Pain specialty fellowship trainees (Fellows), Residents (Anesthesia and Psychiatry), and Medical Students.
The Pain Fellows will be the primary doctors writing all of your medication orders.
The role that Dr. Brose plays during the hospital portion of your treatment is as a Supervising Consultant and he will maintain this continuity position throughout your care. The Fellows and Attendings rotate weekly so that depending on your day of admission you may find the doctor in charge changing during your hospital stay. Despite these changes it is important to note that all of these Health Care Providers work as a team and they communicate daily providing you with the best possible medical care.
Daily Schedule:
There are specially designed activities that occur on a daily basis which include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Pain Management Groups, and Physical and Occupational therapy. During the weekdays there are approximately 3-4 hours of planned group activities a day. (See attached sample schedule.)
Patients are expected to attend all scheduled classes and activities. Some class material may seem less specific to your needs as a patient with pain but the activity represents an excellent opportunity to have the staff observe your interactions in a social group to identify any more subtle effects of changing medication doses providing more appropriate and individualized treatment. It also gives you the opportunity to communicate with other people who are coping with similar medical conditions. There is less activity on the weekends which gives the participants more time to have visitors.
What to Bring:
Medication:
On the morning of your admission take all of your scheduled medication doses.
Please also be sure to bring one day’s worth of medication with you to the hospital. (This is different than the instructions which you will receive from the hospital.) This is to ensure that you get your proper dosing of medication as it sometimes takes a few hours once you are admitted to receive all of your prescriptions from the hospital pharmacy.
Please note: During the admission of patients to the unit there is a routine practice of searching all patient’s possessions to be certain that even accidentally they do not bring objects onto the unit that could be dangerous to themselves or others. At this point in time all medication that you bring will be transferred to the possession of the SCIPP staff. Medications that are not regularly available by the Stanford pharmacy must be given to the nursing staff for dispensing in accordance with hospital policy. (Please check with hospital coordinator for specific information.)
Clothing:
Please bring comfortable clothing that will be conducive to moderate physical activity. You can wear your own clothes and do not need to wear a hospital gown. Often people bring their own sleep wear as well as a bathrobe. There are laundry facilities available on G2/H2.
Phone:
All hospital beds have a private phone with a separate phone number. You are welcome to receive incoming calls on this line. If you want to make outgoing long distance calls it is suggested that you purchase a long distance phone card which can be purchased at many convenience stores, office supply stores, or warehouse stores. These cards are not sold in the hospital gift shop. Cellular phones should not be used in your hospital room but may be used on the hospital grounds.
Leaving the Unit:
Although SCIPP is an open unit and you are there voluntarily, please speak with your medical team before leaving the unit. This is to ensure your safety. People who smoke can leave the unit to do so but should inform a staff member of their whereabouts. With approval there are beautiful grounds, a gift shop and a large cafeteria with Starbucks available at the hospital. SCIPP often organizes walks to view the environment and the famous artwork hanging throughout the hospital. It is necessary for all patients to sign in and out at the nursing station before leaving the unit.
Once your hospital stay has been authorized by the insurance company you will be contacted by the HELP staff to schedule your admission. Please note that we try to accommodate your schedule to the best of our abilities, but there are many competing demands and many deserving patients. You will also be contacted by the coordinator of SCIPP, Kim Trylovich. She will be happy to answer any questions you have particularly about directions to the hospital, admission time, and other specifics.
Admission time is usually between 9-10 am and you proceed directly to the SCIPP unit. Any specific requests about room type, etc should be made directly to the SCIPP coordinator. Please note: frequent requests for individual rooms are made but may not be honored as these decisions are made on the basis of medical acuity.
Please remember, your stay in the hospital is completely voluntary. At any time that you wish to leave, you may. If the timing of your decision to leave provides a medical disadvantage to you, we may require that you sign a form indicating that you understand that you are leaving against medical advice. The only time that patient’s are not allowed to leave the unit at their own will is if they are considered to be a threat to themselves or others.
Visiting Hours:
Weekdays: 6:30pm-8:30pm
Weekends: 12:00N-8:30pm
Hospital Address:
Stanford University Hospital
300 Pasteur Drive
Stanford, CA 94305
For more information please see the Stanford University Hospital Web Page; directions are available at this site:
http://www.stanfordhospital.com/directions/driving/index.html |