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Eight quick tips to encourage patient involvement in care

Ambulatory Safety Monitor, July 1, 2004

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Patients need to play a role in their own healthcare, but it can be difficult to make that happen. Staff at Mount St. Mary's Hospital and Medical Center in Lewiston, NY, send out patient satisfaction surveys that ask whether patients felt safe at the facility or if they felt comfortable questioning doctors. But they also created a list of ways patients can participate in their care. All patients receive the list at admission and can also view it on the center's Web site. The list includes some of the following tips, something you should consider giving to patients at your ambulatory center:

• Make sure you get the right treatments and right medications by the right healthcare professionals. Make sure staff have all of your important health information. Don't assume they know you take a certain medication or have a particular allergy.
• Educate yourself about your diagnosis, your treatment plan, and your medications. Find out why you need specific medications.
• Ask your physician to explain your treatment plan. This will help you recognize anything that doesn't seem right and will help you make informed decisions about your healthcare.
• Ask a friend or family member to accompany you on visits and serve as your advocate.
• Participate in all discussions about your treatment. Your input is important.
• Always ask if you have any questions or concerns.
• If you can't read what a physician wrote on your prescription, ask him or her to clarify.
• Ask all healthcare workers whether they washed their hands before they touch you.

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