FRANCIS BACON


Who questions much, shall learn much, and retain much.


Speak Up! Take charge of your care.


During your stay, the doctors, nurses and staff of Decatur Morgan Hospital will treat you and your family as partners in your own care. One important way that you can be involved is to speak up. Ask questions, voice your concerns, and don’t be afraid to raise any issues relating not only to your care and treatment, but also to overall hospital services. In the pages that follow, you’ll find a step-by-step guide to making the most of your


hospital stay—how to stay safe, get the information you need, ask the right questions and interact effectively with your doctors, nurses and hospital staff.


STEP UP & SPEAK UP


SPEAK UP: Ask questions and voice concerns. It’s your body, and you have a right to know. As you think of questions, write them down so you remember to ask. PAY ATTENTION: Make sure you’re getting the right treatments and medicines. EDUCATE YOURSELF: Learn about the medical tests you get and your treatment plan. FIND AN ADVOCATE: Pick a trusted family member or friend to be your advocate. Have them communicate and ask questions for you. WHAT MEDS & WHY: Know what medicines you take and why you take them. Make a list. CHECK BEFORE YOU GO: Use a hospital, clinic, surgery center or other type of healthcare organization that meets The Joint Commission’s quality standards. PARTICIPATE IN YOUR CARE: You are the center of the healthcare team. As nurses make hourly rounds or conduct shift change reports at your bedside, ask for additional information on your plan of care.


© 2015 PatientPoint®


Remember: n


n


Write down any questions you have


Choose a family member to communicate with the doctors and staff


n


Keep a list of doctors you see and the meds they prescribe


Don’t Get Overwhelmed, Write It Down!


Courtesy of The Joint Commission. 13


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44