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Patient Safety IS OUR Top Priority at Methodist Hospitals

To err is human, yet mistakes within the medical field can have very serious consequences. While the problem of medical errors is not new, in the past, mistakes had not received the attention deserved. The federal government has since recognized the problem, granting tens of millions of dollars for research to help eliminate medical errors at hospitals, pharmacies, clinics and healthcare providers. While ending medical errors is  the goal of millions of health care professionals nationwide, even the most well-trained professionals can make a mistake. Here at Methodist Hospitals, we are doing everything we can to improve patient safety, including the installation of a patient information system called EPIC. This is the best available system and will cost $87.7 million to install before it is completed in 2007.  While using computers can help reduce medical errors, ultimately, having the right processes in place remains key to prevention.

Hospitals are regulated by many agencies that have standards addressing patient safety. These standards relate to issues such as medication use, infection control, surgery and anesthesia, transfusions, restraint and seclusion, staffing and staff competence, fire safety, medical equipment, emergency management, and security. CMS, Indiana State Department of Health, and other agencies are instituting stricter regulations and monitoring more closely, because they are increasingly more accountable as regulatory agents.

The Joint Commission also makes provisions for patients to express concerns.

HOW TO INFORM THE JOINT COMMISSION OF ANY PATIENT CARE OR SAFETY CONCERN

"When an individual has any concerns about patient care and safety at The Methodist Hospitals, he or she is encouraged to contact the Service Area Manager to discuss the concerns. In addition, The Methodist Hospitals has a Patient Advocate to intervene with concerns if needed. If the concerns in question cannot be resolved with the service area manager or involvement of the patient advocate, the individual is encouraged to contact the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals at 1-800-994-6610 to file a complaint.

During your stay at Methodist Hospitals, you will be asked many times for your name, and your wristband will be checked frequently.

Don’t be offended, it’s not that we don’t know who you are. Medical personnel want to be meticulous when taking blood samples, administering medications or performing surgery or an invasive procedure. Methodist Hospitals has even gone the extra step of wristbanding patients who are at the hospitals for outpatient procedures.

You will also note hand washing centers at many locations within the hospital. Many infections are carried by the hands, and new hand hygiene guidelines have been put in place. You can ask your healthcare professionals to wash their hands or change gloves prior to contact with you. Prior to surgery, your site may be marked with a pen, a double check to ensure the right patient receives “the right procedure at the right site.”

There are other safety measures Methodist Hospitals has put into place, such as improving communication among caregivers, improving the safety of high alert medication and IV pumps, and improving the effectiveness of clinical alarm systems which notify caregivers as to when patients need attention.

Patients and Their Families are Members of our Healthcare Team

Patients can also help us improve our safety record. Learning about your condition and its treatment is the best way to prevent an error. We value patients who tell all - from symptoms to the prescription medicine they are taking.

Be assertive about your right to be part of the decision process for your medical care. As a patient, talk to the nurse, ask for the manager, or get in touch with one of our patient advocates who have your best interest at heart. Inpatients are provided with a Patient Care Guide that lists important phone numbers and ways to contact us. You can see more information on our website, www.methodisthospitals.org.

To help prevent medication problems Patients and families should:

• Keep a list of current prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs and supplements and share this with your doctor.

• Remind your doctor about any allergies or reactions.

• Make sure the doctor or nurse checks your wristband and asks your name before giving medicine.

• Ask the doctor or nurse why you should take a medication and request written information about the brand name, generic name and any side effects.

• Speak up if you think the doctor or nurse is about to give you the wrong medicine.

• Know what time you normally take a medicine and let the doctor or nurse know if that doesn't happen.

• Tell your nurse or doctor if you don't feel well after receiving a medicine.

• Ask a friend or relative to get the facts about your medications if you are not well enough to do so.

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