Your Involvement Improves Your Care

It is a simple idea, and it makes sense. The more involved you are as a patient the better your outcomes will be.

Everyone has a role in making healthcare safe – physicians, healthcare executives, nurses and technicians. Healthcare organizations across the country are working to make healthcare 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 healthcare team. An Institute of Medicine (IOM) report has identified the occurrence of medical errors as a serious problem in the healthcare system. The IOM recommends, among other things, that a combined effort be made to improve the public’s awareness of the problem.

Northeast Regional urges patients to get involved in their care. Such efforts to increase consumer awareness and involvement are 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. After all, research shows that patients who take part in decisions about their healthcare are more likely to have better outcomes.

Specific Ways to Be Involved

1. 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.

2. Pay attention to the care you are receiving. Make sure you are getting the right treatments and medications by the right health care professionals. Do not assume anything.

3. Educate yourself about your diagnosis, the medical tests you are undergoing, and your treatment plan.

4. 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.

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

6. Participate in all decisions about your treatment. You are the center of the health care team.