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What You Can Do To Make Health Care Safer
 Medical
care is often miraculous. New medical treatments and
cures are achieved every day and new technologies and
medications continue to be available. Your body and
your condition can be very complicated. Today’s
system of care is also very complex. Our health care
processes and systems are generally very safe, but accidents
do happen and perfect outcomes aren’t always achieved.
Whether you’re a health consumer at home or a patient
in the hospital, your safety is the major goal for everyone.
Ottumwa Regional Health Center incorporates the goals
of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare
Organizations (JCAHO) and the National Patient Safety
Foundation which promote patient safety. The following
suggestions provide a number of things you can do, to
help make your health care experience safer.
BECOME INFORMED
• Seek information about illnesses or conditions
that affect you. Read about options and alternative
treatment plans.
• Choose a doctor, clinic, pharmacy and hospital
experienced in the type of care you require. (visit
www.orhc.com for information).
• Ask questions of your doctor, nurse, pharmacist,
or health insurance company.
• Seek more than one opinion. Consult with specialists,
if indicated.
• Speak with others who have undergone the procedure
you are considering.
KEEP TRACK
• Write down your medical history, including any
medical conditions you have, illnesses, immunizations,
allergies, hospitalizations, all medications and dietary
supplements you’re taking, and any reactions or
sensitivities you’ve had.
• Write down the names and phone numbers of your
doctors, clinics, and pharmacies for quick and easy
reference.
WORK WITH THE TEAM
• Make sure your caregivers introduce themselves
and confirm your identity (ask your name, check your
wristband, or chart).
• Keep copies of your medical records from previous
hospitalizations and share them.
• Share your health history with your care team.
• Share up-to-date information about your care
with everyone who is treating you.
• Make sure you understand the care and treatment
you’ll be receiving and purpose and side effects
of medicines.
• Pay attention. If something doesn’t seem
right, if a medication is now a different color, or
in a different amount, or if a routine has changed,
call it to the attention of your doctor or health care
professional, and verify that it is correct. Make sure
your caregivers have washed their hands. Don’t
be afraid to remind a doctor or nurse to do this.
• Discuss any concerns about your safety with your
care team. If you are taking multiple medications, ask
your doctor or pharmacist if it is safe to take these
medications together.
INVOLVE FRIENDS AND FAMILY
• If you’re not able to observe or participate
fully in your care, ask a friend or family member to
assist. They can accompany you on appointments or stay
with you, and help you to ask questions, understand
all instructions, and communicate your preferences.
• Review consents for treatment with that friend
or family member before you sign them, making sure you
both understand exactly what you are agreeing to.
FOLLOW DIRECTIONS
• Be sure you receive all instructions in writing,
and that you can read and understand them, and have
them explained verbally.
• Make sure you can read the handwriting on any
prescriptions.
• Take medications exactly as prescribed.
• Use home medical equipment and supplies only
as instructed.
• Report anything unusual to your doctor.
Go to QualityCheck@www.jcaho.org to find out whether
your hospital or other health care organization is accredited
Click here
for Medication Safety Tips
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