Patients play a vital role in ensuring their own safety

Dialogue with K.D. Justyn
Chief Executive Officer
Aiken Regional Medical Centers

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Q. The public has high expectations of hospitals. Is patient safety totally up to hospitals or do patients have a role?

A. Hospitals are privileged to serve their communities and we work hard to earn the respect of our patients and their families. However, patient safety is a two-way street. Patients must be well informed and actively involved in the care they receive from their doctors and their hospital.

Q. What is the patient’s role in hospital patient safety?

A. First and foremost, each patient needs to have a clear understanding of what service he or she is coming to the hospital to receive. Patients should talk with their doctor about their condition and their treatment plan. If they have access to the Internet or to a public library, they should do some self-education. This also allows them to ask informed questions of their doctor and the hospital about their care, and what to expect before and after their hospital visit. The more a person knows about a procedure they are going to have, the fewer surprises there are.

Q. Are there questions patients should ask hospitals?

A. There are five questions patients should ask and know the answers to before checking into a hospital for a procedure:

1. Do I understand my procedure and what the doctor will be doing?

2. Have I requested a sign be put on the outside of my operating and recovery room doors that says anyone entering should sanitize their hands?

3. Have I or a family member researched the best practices for treating my ailment?

4. Do I have a family member with me to be my advocate and make sure my requests are carried out?

5. Do I have any other questions about the procedure that I don’t understand?

Q. When is the appropriate time to ask my doctors and nurses questions?

A. All questions should be brought up with doctors and nurses before the procedure. Questions should not be asked right before or during a procedure because doctors and nurses should be concentrating on the technical aspects of your procedure, not your questions.

Q. How do patients know if safety standards aren’t met?

A. Patients can obtain the federal government’s list of core measures of quality from the Center for Medicaid Services and compare those measures to the hospital they are visiting. If safety standards are not being met the patient can take it up with the hospital.

Q. Do you have any special advice for patients?

A. Of course! I often tell people, “Don’t be shy! Speak up. Ask questions.” Your healthcare providers want to hear your questions and concerns. It helps us do our jobs better.