|
Jewish Hospital is committed to patient safety. We
invite you to join us in making your care as safe as
possible. Patient safety is built on a partnership
between patients, families and health care professionals.
Here are some tips to help you become a part of the
patient safety team.
Talk about your health care.
- Talk to all doctors, nurses and pharmacists about
your health care. If something doesn’t seem right
about the care you are receiving, don’t be afraid to ask
for further explanation.
- Ask questions concerning your health care and your
treatment. Don’t be embarrassed that you don’t
understand something your health care professional
tells you – ask again for clarification.
- Write down answers you’ve received to your questions
or important facts that your health care provider shares with you.
- Ask a family member or friend to come with you,
acting as your advocate. An advocate can sometimes
ask questions and gather information easier than the
patient who is ill or under stress.
- Ask for information about medicines in terms you
understand. What is the medicine for? How am I to
take it and for how long? What side effects are likely? What do I do
if side effects occur?
Learn about your illness, medical tests you are
undergoing, and your treatment plans.
- Gather information from your doctor, dependable
web sites, your local library or support groups.
- Read all medical forms carefully and ask for help in
understanding them before you sign anything.
- Learn about choices in your treatment plan, and make
the decision that is best for you.
- Ask for a second opinion, if you have concerns or
doubts about your care.
- Make sure to obtain results of any test or procedure
and ask what they mean.
Provide complete information to doctors,
nurses and other health care professionals.
- When coming to the hospital, write down your
medical history including special conditions and
illnesses, allergies, immunizations, all medications and
dietary supplements you presently take, and any
adverse reactions to medications.
- Write down names and phone numbers of all doctors,
clinics or pharmacies involved in your care, and bring
that list with you.
- Answer questions regarding your health, as completely
as possible. Share your health history and provide any
information you believe to be important, even if the
doctor or nurse does not ask.
- Bring all current medications, including over-the-counter
products and dietary and herbal supplements.
- Share with all health care staff, your medical history
with regard to any allergies or sensitivities.
Become actively involved in preventing errors
and infections while in the hospital.
- Always wash hands carefully following bathroom
visits, or after handling soiled materials. Hand
washing ia the best way to fight infections.
- Ask your health care providers and visitors to wash
their hands. Ask relatives and friends not to visit if ill.
- Before administering any medication or treatment,
make sure all caregivers confirm your identity either
by checking the patient wristband or asking your
name.
- Verify that the medications given to you, are the
correct dosages. Ask about oral medicines before
swallowing and read the contents of intravenous bags
(IV fluids).
- If having surgery, clarify with your doctor and surgeon
that all agree on the procedure, and ask that the
operating area be properly marked.
- Tell the nurse if you have special needs, such as
assistance getting out of bed, the need for a light left
on at night or special equipment from home that may
be needed during your hospital stay.
Before you leave the hospital, make sure you
understand the discharge instructions and
treatment plan you will use at home.
- Ask for written discharge instructions concerning all
aspects of your medical care. Be sure you understand
the written information. If it is not clear, don’t be
afraid to ask for further clarification.
- If your doctor prescribes medications to take at home,
review the name of the medicines, the dose amounts
and how often to take the medicines, before you leave
the hospital.
- Ask the doctor to clarify what your regular daily activities
should include at home, such as bathing, cooking, cleaning and driving.
Please remember safety starts with all of us.
By taking an active part in your own care, you
will make a big difference in ensuring your
own safety.
Click here for the patient
safety brochure.
|
