SPEAK UP
Everyone has a role in making health care safe , 75% of physicians , health care executives , nurses and technicians in health care organisations across the USA are working to make health care safety a priority . You , as the patient , can also play a vital role in making your health care safe , by becoming an active , involved and informed member of your health care team. An Institute of Medicine ( IOM ) report has identified the occurrence of medical errors as a serious problem in the health care system . The IOM recommends , among other things , that a concerted effort be made to improve the public's awareness of the problem .
The " Speak Up " program , sponsored by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organisations , urges patients to get involved in their care. Such efforts to increase consumer awareness and involvement are supported by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services .
This initiative provides simple advice on how you , as the patient , can make your care a positive experience. After all , research shows that patients who take part in decisions about their health care are more likely to have better outcomes.
To help prevent health care errors , patients are urged to " Speak Up. "
peak up if you have any questions or concerns , and if you don't understand , ask again . It's your body and you have a right to know. ~ Your health is too important to worry about being embarrassed if you don't understand something that your doctor , nurse , or other health care professional tells you .
~ Don't be afraid to ask about safety . If you're having surgery , for example , ask the doctor to mark the area that is to be operated upon , so that there's no confusion in the operating room.
~ Don't be afraid to tell the nurse or the doctor if you think you are about to receve the wrong medication.
~ Don't hesitate to tell the health care professional if you think he or she has confused you with another patient.
ay attention to the care you are receiving . Make sure you're getting the right treatments and medications by the right health care professionals . Don't assume anything. ~ Tell your nurse or doctor if something doesn't seem quite right.
~ Expect Health care workers to introduce themselves when they enter your room and look for their identification badges . A new mother , for example , should know the person to whom she is handing her baby. If you are unsure , ask.
~ Notice whether your caregivers have washed their hands.Handwashing is the most important way to prevent the spread of infections. Don't be afraid to gently remind a doctor or nurse to do this.
~ Know what time of day you normally receive a medication . If it doesn't happen bring this to the attention of your nurse or doctor .
~ Make sure your nurse or doctor confirms your identity , that is , checks your wristband or asks your name , before he or she administers any medication or treatment.
ducate yourself about your diagnosis , the medical tests you are undergoing , and your treatment plan . ~ Ask your doctor about the specialised training and experience that qualifies him or her to treat your illness ( and be sure to ask the same questions of those physicians to whom he or she refers you ).
~ Gather information about your condition . good sources include your doctor , your library , respected websites and support groups.
~ Write down important facts your doctor tells you , so that you can look for additional information later . And ask your doctor if he or she has any written information you can keep.
~ Thoroughly read all medical forms and make sure you understand them before you sign anything . if you don't understand , ask your doctor or nurse to explain them.
~ Make sure you are familiar with the operation of any equipment that is being used in your care . If you will be using oxygen at home , do not smoke , or allow anyone to smoke near you while oxygen is in use .
sk a trusted family member or friend to be your advocate . ~ Your advocate can ask questions that you may not think of while you are under stress.
~ Ask this person to stay with you , even overnight , when you are hospitalised . You will be able to rest more comfortably , and your advocate can help to make sure you get the right medications and treatments. Your advocate can also help remember answers to questions you have asked , and speak up for you if you cannot.
~ Make sure this person understands your preferences for care and your wishes concerning rescusitation and life support .
~ Review consents for treatment with your advocate before you sign them and make sure you both understand exactly what you are agreeing to .
~ Make sure your advocate understands the type of care you will need when you get home.
~ Your advocate should know what to look for if your condition is getting worse and whom to call for help .
now what medications you take and why you take them . Medication errors are the most common health care mistakes . ~ Ask about the purpose of the medication and ask for written information about it , including its brand and generic names. Also enquire about the side effects of the medication .
~ If you do not recognise a medication , verify that it is for you . Ask about oral medications before swallowing , and read the labels of bags of intravenous ( IV ) fluids . If you're not well enough to do this ask your advocate to do this .
~ If you are given an IV ask the nurse how long it should take for the fluid to " run out " . Tell the nurse if it doesn't seem to be dripping properly. ( That is too fast or too slow .)
~ Whenever you are going to receive a new medication , tell your doctors and nurses about allergies you have , or negative reactions you have had to medications in the past .
~ If you are taking multiple medications , ask your doctor or pharmacist if it is safe to take those medications together . This holds true for vitamins , herbal supplements , and over - the - counter drugs too .
~ Make sure you can read the handwriting on any prescriptions written by your doctor . If you can't read it , the pharmacist may not be able to either .
Click HERE to continue reading JCAHO ' s " Speak Up " Initiative.
Important Announcement
