In support of National Patient Safety Awareness Week, March 6-12, Tyrone Hospital is supporting the National Patient Safety Foundation’s (NPSF) efforts to highlight effective communication as the patient safety tool of choice.
The National Patient Safety Foundation (NPSF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving patient safety.
The year’s patient safety week theme, Focus on Patient Safety: Ask, Listen and Learn, emphasizes the partnership between providers and patients in improving patient safety. The theme encourages providers to listen to their patients, to speak in simple terms, and to develop partnerships with their patients.
Walter S. Van Dyke, Chief Executive Officer at Tyrone Hospital said, “Medical information is often difficult for patients to understand. We want to encourage patients to ask questions until they understand what they need to do, and to become a partner with their doctor and other healthcare providers to manage their health. This understanding will build provider-patient partnerships and improve patient safety.”
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;
• Research options and possible treatment plans;
• Choose a doctor, clinic, pharmacy, and hospital experienced in the type of care you require;
• Ask questions of your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or benefits plan coordinator and
• 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 and
• Write down the names and phone numbers of your doctors, clinics, and pharmacies for quick and easy reference.
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 and
• Discuss any concerns about your safety with your health care team.
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.
Follow the treatment plan agreed upon by you and your doctor
• 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 and
• Report anything unusual to your doctor.
During National Patient Safety Awareness Week, March 6-12, Tyrone Hospital will make additional information available to help educate individuals on the role they play in patient safety. People can pick-up the following printed information in the main lobby at Tyrone Hospital:
Helping Patients Understand Health Information
• Patient Tips for Good Communication;
• What You Can Do to Make Healthcare Safer: A Consumer Fact Sheet and
• Safety as You Go from Hospital to Home: A Consumer Fact Sheet.
“Patient Safety Awareness Week is a call to action to promote patient safety by highlighting the importance of asking questions, listening and learning in making healthcare decisions,” said Diane C. Pinakiewicz, NPSF Interim Executive Director and member of the Board. “We encourage providers and patients to build and strengthen these partnerships to improve patient safety.”
For up-to-date information on Patient Safety Awareness Week and the patient safety movement, visit www.npsf.org.
Tyrone Hospital joins national effort to focus on effective communications to improve patient safety
