AAMC Encourages patients to “Speak Up”
Abbeville Area Medical Center is encouraging patients to “Speak Up™” when it comes to their healthcare. Using The Joint Commission’s national campaign, the medical center is urging patients to take a role in preventing health care errors by becoming active, involved and informed participants on their health care team when hospitalized. The program features brochures and posters that are displayed throughout the facility. Speak Up™ encourages the public to:
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.
Pay attention to the care you are receiving. Make sure you’re getting the right treatments and medications by the right health care professionals. Don’t assume anything.
Educate yourself about your diagnosis, the medical tests you are undergoing, and your treatment plan.
Ask a trusted family member or friend to be your advocate.
Know what medications you take and why you take them. Medication errors are the most common health care mistakes.
Use a hospital, clinic, surgery center, or other type of health care organization that has undergone a rigorous on-site evaluation against established state-of-the-art quality and safety standards, such as that provided by The Joint Commission.
Participate in all decisions about your treatment. You are the center of the health care team.
For more information, contact the Quality Department at 366-3279. |