Everyone has a role in making health care safe…physicians, health care executives, nurses and technicians. 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. You have a role in keeping your health care environment safe by being involved in the care you receive and knowing how to “Speak Up”.

Floyd supports the “Speak Up” program, sponsored by The Joint Commission, and urges patients to get involved in their care. Such efforts to increase consumer awareness and involvement are also supported by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This initiative provides simple advice on how you, as the patient, can make your care a positive experience. Research shows that patients who take part in decisions about their health care are more likely to have better outcomes.

Speak up if you have questions or concerns, and if you don’t understand, ask again. It’s your body and you have a right to know.

• Your health is too important—don’t be embarrassed to ask.
• Don’t be afraid to ask about your safety.

Pay attention to the care you are receiving. Make sure you’re getting the right treatments and medications by the right health care professionals. Don’t assume anything.

• Tell your doctor or nurse if something doesn’t seem quite right.
• Notice whether your caregivers have washed their hands. Don’t be afraid to gently remind them.
• Know what time of day you normally receive a medication and ask questions if you don’t receive it.
• Make sure your doctor or nurse confirms your identity by checking your wristband or asking your name prior to administering any medications or treatment.

Educate your self about your diagnosis, the medical tests you are undergoing, your treatment plan and exactly what is covered by your health plan.

• Ask your doctors about their specialized training and experience for treating your illness.
• Gather information about your condition. Write down important facts your doctor tells you so that you can look for additional information later.
• Read all medical forms and make sure you understand them before you sign anything. If you don’t understand, ask your doctor or nurse to explain them.

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.
• Your advocate can also help remember answers to questions you have asked and speak up for you if you cannot.
• Make sure your advocate understands your preferences for care and your wishes concerning resuscitation and life support.

Know what medications you take and why you take them. Medication errors are the most common health care mistakes.

• Ask about the purpose of the medication and ask for written information about it, including its side effects.
• If you do not recognize a medication, verify that it is for you.
• Tell your doctors and nurses about allergies you have or negative reactions you have had to medications in the past.
• Make sure you can read the handwriting on any prescriptions written by your doctors.

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.

• Ask about Floyd’s experience in treating your type of illness.
• Before you leave the hospital, ask about follow-up care and make sure that you understand all of the instructions.

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.
• Know who will be taking care of you, how long the treatment will last and how you should feel.
• Understand that more tests or medications may not always be better. Ask your doctor what a new test or medication is likely to achieve.
• Keep copies of your medical records from previous hospitalizations and share them with your health care team. This will give them a more complete picture of your health history.
• Don’t be afraid to seek a second opinion. If you are unsure about the nature of your illness and the best treatment, consult with one or two additional specialists. The more information you have about the options available to you, the more confident you will be in the decisions made.

Floyd is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation for Healthcare Organization. If there is a concern about patient care and safety at any of our facilities, JCAHO asks that you first contact the appropriate Floyd representative.

Floyd welcomes and encourages all patients to share their concerns with their caregivers and/or hospital leadership. You may also contact the Guests Relations Coordinator at 706.509.5195. If you believe your concerns have not been adequately addressed or resolved, please notify the JCAHO in writing at the Office of Quality Monitoring; One Renaissance Blvd.; Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181, by fax at 630.792.5636, by email at complaint@jcaho.org; or call 1.800.994.6610.