Making Health Care Safe
Everyone has a role in making health care safe.
That includes doctors, health care executives,
nurses and many health care technicians.
Health care organizations all across the country
are working to make health care safe. As a
patient, you can make your care safer by being
an active, involved and informed member of
your health care team.
Speak up if you have questions or concerns. If you still don’t understand, ask again.
Pay attention to the care you get. Always make sure you’re getting the right treatments and medicines by the right health care professionals. Don’t assume anything.
Educate yourself about your illness. Learn about the medical tests you get, and your treatment plan.
Ask a trusted family member or friend to be your advocate (advisor or supporter).
Know what medicines you take and why you take them. Medicine errors are the most common health care mistakes.
Use a hospital, clinic, surgery center, or other type of health care organization that has been carefully checked out. For example, The Joint Commission visits hospitals to see if they are meeting The Joint Commission’s quality standards.
Participate in all decisions about your treatment. You are the center of the health care team.
Click here to download printable version
For more information about the Speak Up™ program, visit The Joint Commission website at http://www.jointcommission.org/PatientSafety/SpeakUp.
Last Updated: 9/17/2008 |
