|
Everyone has a role in making healthcare safe -- physicians, healthcare executives, and healthcare workers. Healthcare organizations across the country are working to make healthcare safety a top priority. You, as a patient, also play a vital role in making your care safe by becoming an active, involved, and informed member of your healthcare team.
Listed below are several suggestions to help you become informed and involved:
- Take part in decisions about your treatment
- Follow your treatment plan
- Be alert for potential problems and be involved in solving them
- Speak up if you have questions or concerns. It is your right to ask questions and receive answers you can understand
- Ask what doctor is in charge of your care while you are in the hospital
- Identify yourself -- wear your nameband at all times and know what procedures you are to have
- Keep a list of all mediciations you take and inform your physician and other healthcare team members of these medicines including over-the-counter, vitamins, and herbals. Your medicaiton in the hospital may be different than what you take a home. Know what you are taking, why you are taking it, what it looks like, what time you are taking it, and any potential side effects
If a medication or time seems different, ask why and make certain your nameband is checked before any medication is given. Be sure to inform your physician or nurse of any allergies or reactions to medications. Call for help to get our of bed especially if you feel dizzy, unsteady on your feet, or fall often.
- If you are having surgery, make certain you understand what will happen. You and your doctor(s) should all agree on exactly what is to be done
- Share any special needs you have with your healthcare team -- such as arranging for special care of equipment.
|
|
|
|
|
