Patient Safety is a Team Effort!
Patient Safety is the responsibility of everyone - doctors, nurses, and technicians.
The most important member of the team is you, the patient. Taking an active role in your own healthcare is vital. For tips on how to prepare for your next visit to your doctor or health care provider, click here.
As a patient at Jones Memorial, you are encouraged to take an active, involved and informed role in you own care by:
- Speaking up if you have questions or concerns, and if you don't understand, ask again. It's your body. You have a right to know. Involve a friend or relative if this will help you ask questions and understand the answers.
- Making sure you understand what will happen if you need surgery. Tell the surgeon, anesthetist and nurses if you have allergies or ever had a bad reaction to anesthesia.
- Making sure your nurse or doctor confirms your identity, by checking your wristband or asking your name, before any medicine or treatment is given.
- Expecting healthcare workers to introduce themselves when they enter your room. Look for their identification badges.
- Making sure you get the results of all tests and procedures. Don't assume the results are ok if you don't get them when expected. Call the doctor and when results are received, ask what they mean.
- Paying attention to the care you are receiving. Understand your plan of treatment. Ask the nurse or doctor to explain any test results and the treatment plan.
- Knowing what time of day you normally receive a medicine. If it doesn't happen, bring this to the attention of your nurse or doctor. Always have a complete list of medications with you. To get a form you can use, click here
- If you do not recognize a medicine, verify that it is for you.
- Telling your doctor, nurse and pharmacist about the medicines that you take. Remember to include the over-the-counter medicines such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and vitamin and herbal supplements. Remind them about any drug allergies you have.
- Patients, family members and caregivers should wash hands frequently to prevent the spread of infection.
Other information that may be helpful to you:
