Speak up and play an active role in your health care
Everyone has a role in making health care safe. Physicians, health care executives, nurses and technicians all play an important role in health care safety. Health care organizations across the country are working to make health care safety a priority. You, as the patient, can also play a vital role in making your care safe by becoming an active, involved and informed member of your health care team.
Last fall, Bonner General Hospital implemented the "Speak Up" program, an initiative sponsored by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations.
The "Speak Up" program is designed to improve patient safety and prevent medical errors by urging patients to get involved in their health care.
While this is a program designed for hospitals, it provides simple advice that applies to any interaction you may have with the health care system.
Whether it's a stay in the hospital or simply a visit to your doctor's office, you as the patient can play an important role in the care you receive by knowing how to speak up when it comes to your health care:
Speak up if you have questions or concerns, and if you don't understand, ask again. Your health is too important — don't be embarrassed to ask.
Pay attention to the care you are receiving. Make sure you're getting the right treatments and medications by the right health care professionals. Tell your doctor or nurse if something doesn't seem quite right.
Educate yourself about your illness. Learn about the medical tests you are undergoing, your treatment plan and exactly what is covered by your health plan.
Ask a trusted family member or friend to be your advocate. Your advocate can ask questions that you may not think of while you are under stress, and can help remember answers to questions you have asked.
Know what medications you take and why you take them. Tell doctors and nurses about any allergic reactions you have had in the past.
Use a hospital, clinic, surgery center, or other type of health care organization that has undergone a rigorous on-site evaluation against established, state-of-the-art quality and safety standards, such as that provided by JCAHO.
Participate in all decisions about your treatment. You are the center of the health care team. You and your doctor should agree on exactly what will be done during each step of your care.
Bonner General Hospital is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation for Healthcare Organization. We are pleased to offer this JCAHO-sponsored program to our patients and encourage you to be your own strongest advocate by always taking an active role in your health care.
? Lynda Metz is the director of community development at Bonner General Hospital.