Patient
Safety - Consumer Tips
AT
THE HOSPITAL
HAVE
SOMEONE WITH YOU
Bring
a family member or friend who knows your medical history and
who can also ask questions. This can help to ensure the best
care possible. Family members often provide the comfort and
support needed to promote your return to good health.
BRING
MEDICINES
Bring
all the medicines you are taking or a list of medications to
every appointment.
BE
ACTIVE AND SPEAK UP
- SHARE
MEDICAL INFORMATION. Write down and carry important medical
information with you. Keep a list of medical history, office
visits, and medication use. Medical information should include
allergies and the names, addresses and phone numbers of important
health care providers.
- MAKE
SURE YOU UNDERSTAND THE PLAN OF TREATMENT. Ask the nurse
or doctor to explain any test results and the plan of treatment.
If anything is not clear, speak up and ask questions.
- MAKE
SURE YOU KNOW WHAT MEDICINES SHOULD BE TAKEN. Make sure
you know what has been ordered for your care. Ask questions
if the medicines look different from before.
- WASH
HANDS. Patients, family members and caregivers should
wash hands frequently with soap and water and/or use the available
liquid hand sanitizer located in convenient wall mounted dispensers
to prevent the spread of infection.
- KNOW
WHO IS IN CHARGE OF CARE. Make sure that someone, such
as your personal doctor, is in charge of the care for you
or your family member. This is especially important in a hospital
or in case of a complex illness. Ask if your primary physician
will be at the hospital.
TAKE
NOTES
Write
down any questions about the patient's condition, treatment,
clinic visit or hospital stay. Take notes about what you learn
from your caregiver. At the end of your visit to the clinic
or hospital, ask for information in writing, including information
about medicines, follow-up care, and your treatment plan.
LEARN
AS MUCH AS YOU CAN
- It
is up to you to learn as much as you can about the your care
and treatment. The most important way you can help to prevent
medical errors is to be an active and informed member of the
health care team. This means taking part in every health care
decision.
