As a well-informed patient, you can help us create a safer healthcare system.
For patient safety to be truly effective, we need you to be fully informed and be actively involved in all areas of your medical care.
What does your "involvement" in patient care and safety mean to you and your family?
We would like for you to become a partner in the development of a safe care plan. Your active involvement will help everyone always do the right thing at the right time for the right person. That right person is you.
Don't ever be afraid to ask questions if you have any doubts or concerns. Speak up! This will allow your healthcare providers an opportunity to better assist you. It's important for you to understand your treatment plan and why it was chosen for you.
Involve your loved ones. Keep your loved ones informed about your care plan. Better yet, ask a family member to assist you in understanding and carrying out your care plan in case you can't.
Understand and take part in your care. As a patient, you have rights. Learn about your rights and responsibilities as a patient to gain a better understanding about your decisions and rights in healthcare.
Know your Medications
Make sure you and your caregivers are clear about what medications you take:
Infections - Don't pass it on! Did you know that each year, many lives and millions of dollars are lost due to the spread of infections in hospitals? Clean hands prevent the spread of infection and help save lives. Don't be afraid to remind friends, family, and healthcare providers to wash and sanitize their hands before coming into direct contact with you.
Ask for identification from medical staff you do not recognize: Make sure you know your caregiver's name. It's also very important that your caregiver confirms who you are. He or she should ask for your full name, and/or check your name band before he or she administers a medication or treatment.
Are you having surgery? Make sure you understand what will happen before your surgery is performed and how your doctors and nurses will take action to make sure that everything goes as planned after the surgery.
Know what to do after being discharged from your medical facility.
Make sure you and your caregivers are clear about what medications you take:
Remember when our parents used to tell us to "stop, look, and listen" before crossing the streets? Our parents' aim was to involve us in making correct, and safe decisions. They didn't want us to be harmed because we were caught off guard. We want to do the same for you by making you aware.
Patient safety can be that simple for you and your family if you:
Above all, be proactive! Let us know if you have any questions or recommendations about safety issues!