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Patient Safety Information

What can consumers do to make sure they have a safer experience with the health care system? The NPSF suggests these steps to help make your health care experience safer:
 
Become a more informed health care consumer
  • Seek information about illnesses or conditions that affect you. Click here for the Medical Library.
  • Research options and possible treatment plans.
  • Choose a doctor, clinic, pharmacy and hospital experienced in the type of care you require. Click here to find a doctor
  • Ask questions of your doctor, nurse, pharmacist or benefits plan coordinator. Patient Question List
  • Seek more than one opinion.
Keep track of your history
  • 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 experienced. Medical History
  • Make sure that all of your doctors know about everything you are taking. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, and dietary supplements such as vitamins and herbs.
  • Possible Risks to Surgical Patients who use Complementary/Alternative Medicines
  • Write down the names and phone numbers of your doctors, clinics and pharmacies for quick and easy references.
  • When your doctor writes you a prescription, make sure you can read it.
Work with your doctor and other health care professionals as a team
  • Share your health history with your care team.
  • Share up-to-date information about your care with everyone who’s treating you.
  • Make sure you understand the care and treatment you’ll be receiving. Ask questions if you’re not clear on your care.
  • Pay attention. If something doesn’t seem right, call it to the attention of your doctor or health care professional.
  • Discuss any concerns about your safety with your health care team.
  • Expect your health care workers to introduce themselves when they enter your room and look for their identification badges.
  • Make sure your nurse or doctor confirms your identity, that is, checks your wristband or asks your name, before he or she administers any medication or treatment.
Involve a family member or friend in your care

  • If you’re not able to observe or participate fully in your care, ask a family member or friend to assist. They can accompany you on appointments or stay with you, help you ask questions, understand care instructions and suggest your preferences.
  • Review consents for treatment with your family member or friend before you sign them and make sure you both understand exactly what you are agreeing to.
  • Make sure your family member or friend understands the type of care you will need when you get home. Your family member or friend should know what to look for if your condition is getting worse and whom to call for help.

Your hospital stay
  • If you have a choice, choose a hospital at which many patients have the procedure or surgery you need.
  • If you are in a hospital, consider asking all health care workers who have direct contact with you whether they have washed their hands.
  • Do not bring valuables.

Discharge

When you are being discharged from the hospital, ask your doctor to explain the treatment plan you will use at home.

 
Surgery

If you are having surgery, make sure that you, your doctor, and your surgeon all agree and are clear on exactly what will be done.

 
Follow your doctor's directions

  • Be sure you receive all instructions in writing and that you read and understand them. And, have information explained verbally.
  • Take medications exactly as prescribed.
  • Use home medical equipment and supplies only as instructed.
  • Report anything unusual to your doctor.

Note: The information on this Web site is provided as general health guidelines and may not be applicable to your particular health condition. Your individual health status and any required medical treatments can only be properly addressed by a professional healthcare provider of your choice. Remember: There is no adequate substitution for a personal consultation with your physician. Neither Desert Springs Hospital Medical Center, or any of their affiliates, nor any contributors shall have any liability for the content or any errors or omissions in the information provided by this Web site.
 
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