Patient and Caregivers Questions Can Make a Difference

Whether you are a patient or caregiver, one of the most important actions you can take when you come to the hospital, is to simply ask questions, for safety's sake. Communication is the best way to prevent errors and ensure the highest quality health care possible. It's a two-way process that begins at your doctor's office, continues when you come to the hospital for diagnostic procedures, and certainly is a priority should you need to be admitted to the hospital. But it doesn't stop there-you'll need to have a good understanding of what to do and what not to do while you or your loved one continues to recover at home.

The Methodist Hospitals health care team of doctors, nurses, and clinical staff need your active involvement in planning care. Patients and their families play a major role in reducing risk. Every question is important to us. We expect you are overwhelmed by the amount of information we must give you and the repeated questions we must ask. Your questions help us reduce the risk of mistakes. Following are questions we urge you to ask. Clip and save this list intended only as a basic guide toward better communication.

Help Us Help You

Your team of doctors, nurses and clinical staff want to make sure you receive the highest quality of care.  You may find yourself answering the same questions over and over, but this helps us reduce the risk of mistakes.  Some of the questions you may be asked are:

            ·What is your name?

            ·Why are you here?

            ·What medications are you currently taking?

            ·Do you have any allergies to medications or food?

            ·What have you had to eat or drink in the last 12 hours?

In addition to us asking you questions, we encourage you to ask questions about your care. This helps keep you safe and reduces any anxiety you might have.  Some questions you might ask us are:

·Who are you, and what is your name?Any one who comes to take care of you should state their name and have their ID badge visible.

            ·What procedure are you about to do?  Whether drawing blood, changing an IV bag, etc., ask what is being done.

·Are my allergies to medications and food listed on my chart?It is important to make sure your doctors, nurses and dieticians know you have allergies.        

·What is the name of this medication, and what does it do?If you think you may be given the wrong medications, do not take it and ask that your doctor review it.

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