What does patient safety mean? It means making sure that the treatments, medications and medical services you receive are the most appropriate for your needs. While we all must rely on the medical expertise of our doctors and healthcare professionals, you can help them do their best to help you by being an active, involved and informed partner on your healthcare team.

Here are some ways you can stay safe:

Before you begin treatment…
Appoint a family member or authorized representative. If you are concerned about your ability to ask questions or make decisions, ask a trusted family member or authorized representative to be your advocate. Be sure this individual understands your preferences for care, and your wishes concerning resuscitation and life support.

Identify quality providers. Plan for your care at a hospital, clinic, surgery center, or other healthcare organization that has undergone a rigorous on-site evaluation against established state-of-the-art quality and safety standards.

When you’re in the hospital…
Know your caregivers. All healthcare workers involved in your care should introduce themselves when they enter your room – and they should be wearing an identification badge. Be sure to ask each individual to explain his or her role in your care.

Understand your condition. Ask your doctor or nurse to explain your condition and recommended treatments. Write down important facts.

Explain your current medications. Tell you doctors, nurses and pharmacists about every medicine you are taking. This includes prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines and dietary supplements such as vitamins and herbs.

Understand surgical procedures. If you are having surgery, ask for a complete explanation of the procedure and the reason for it. Make sure that you and your doctor agree and are clear about what will be done.

Read all forms. Read all medical forms and ask a doctor or nurse to explain anything you don’t understand. Don’t sign the forms until you are sure you are clear on the details.

Ask about your IV. If you are being given medicine intravenously (IV), ask the nurse how long it should take for the liquid to “run out.” Tell the nurse if it doesn’t seem to be dripping properly (that is, too fast or too slow).

Request test results. If you have a test performed, but don’t hear the results, ask for them. Don’t assume that everything is o.k., just because you don’t hear back.

If in-hospital medications are prescribed…
Ask for an explanation. When a medication is prescribed, ask your doctor to explain why. Ask again when you receive your medicines.

Communicate about allergies and reactions. Make sure your doctors, nurses, and pharmacists know about allergies and adverse reactions you have had to medicines.

Be sure the medicine is yours. If you do not recognize the name of a medicine, ask the doctor or nurse to confirm that the medicine is for you.

Be sure you can read the prescription. If your doctor writes a prescription and you find it hard to read, ask the doctor to clarify it.

When you leave the hospital…
Be sure you have the right medicine. When you pick up your medicines, ask the pharmacist to confirm that you have the correct medicine. Also ask why you are taking the medication, and for written information about possible side effects.

Understand medication directions. Be sure you understand how to take the medicine. Review any special directions on your medicine labels.

Ask how to measure liquid doses. If you are given a liquid medication, ask your pharmacist about the best way to measure your dose.