CMMC Wants You To Speak Up

Help Prevent Errors in Your Care

• Your health is too important to worry about being embarrassed if you don't understand something that your doctor, nurse, or other health care professional tells you.
• Don't be afraid to ask about safety.  If you're having surgery, for example, ask the doctor to mark the area that is to be operated upon, so that there is no confusion in the operating room.
• Don't be afraid to tell the nurse or the doctor if you think you are about to receive the wrong medication.
• Don't hesitate to tell the health care professional if you think he or she has confused you with another patient.

• Tell your doctor or nurse if something doesn't seem quite right. 
• Expect health care workers to introduce themselves when they enter your room and look for their identification badges.  A new mother, for example, should know the person to whom she is handing her baby.  If you are unsure, ask.
• Notice whether or not your caregivers have washed their hands.  Hand washing is the most important way to prevent the spread of infections.  Don't be afraid to gently remind a doctor or nurse to do this.
• Know what time of day you normally receive a medication.  If it doesn't happen, bring this to the attention of your nurse or doctor.
• Make sure your nurse or doctor confirms your identity, that is, checks your wristband or asks your name, before he or she administers any medication or treatment.

• Ask your doctor about the specialized training and expertise that qualifies him or her to treat your illness (and be sure to ask the same questions of the physicians to whom he or she refers you).
• Gather information about your condition .  Good sources include your doctor, your library, respected web sites, and support groups.
• Write down important facts your doctor tells you, so that you can look for additional information later.  And ask your doctor if he or she has any written information you can keep.
• Thoroughly read all medical forms and make sure you understand them before you sign anything.  If you don't understand, ask your doctor or nurse to explain them.
• Make sure you are familiar with the operation of any equipment that is being used in your care.  If you will be using oxygen at home, do not smoke or allow anyone to smoke near you while oxygen is in use.

• Your advocate can ask questions that you may not think of while you are under stress.
• Ask this person to stay with you when ever possible when you are hospitalized.  You will be able to rest more comfortably and your advocate can help make sure you get the right medications and treatments.
• Your advocate can also help remember answers to questions you have asked, and speak up for you if you cannot.
• Make sure this person understands your preferences for care and your wishes regarding resuscitation and life support.
• Review consents for treatment with your advocate before you sign them and make sure you both understand exactly what you are agreeing to.
• Make sure your advocate understands the type of care you will need when you get home.  Your advocate should know what to look for if your condition is getting worse and whom to call for help.

• Ask about the purpose of the medication and ask for written information about it, including its brand and generic names.  Also inquire about the side effects of the medication.
• If you do not recognize a medication, verify that it is for you.  Ask about oral medications before swallowing, and read the contents of bags of intravenous (IV) fluids.  If you're not well enough to do this, ask your advocate to do it.
• If you are given an 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 it is too fast or too slow).
• Whenever you are going to receive a new medication, tell your doctors and nurses about allergies you have, or negative reactions you have had to medications in the past.
• If you are taking multiple medications, ask your doctor or pharmacist if it is safe to take those medications together.  This holds true for vitamins, herbal supplements, and over-the-counter drugs, too.
• Make sure you can read the handwriting on any prescriptions written by your doctor.  If you can't read it, the pharmacist may not be able to read it either.

• Ask about the health care organization's experience in treating your type of illness.  How frequently do they perform the procedure you need and what specialized care do they provide in helping patients get well?
• Before you leave the hospital, ask about follow-up care and make sure that you understand all of the instructions.
• Go the Maine Health Management Coalition's web site<www.mhmc.info> and see how Maine hospitals perform on meeting patient safety standards.

• You and you doctor should agree on exactly what will be done during each step of your care.
• Know who will be taking care of you, how long the treatment will last, and how you should expect to feel.
• Understand that more tests or medications may not always be better.  Ask your doctor what a new test or medication is likely to achieve.
• Keep copies of your medical records from previous hospitalizations (if they were at a different hospital) and share them with your health care team.  This will give them a more complete picture of your health care history.
• Don't be afraid to seek a second opinion.  If you are unsure about the nature of your illness and the best treatment, consult with one or two additional specialists.  The more information you have about the options available to you, the more confident you will be in the decisions made.
• Ask to speak with others who have undergone the procedure you are considering.  These individuals can help you prepare for the days and weeks ahead.  They can also tell you what to expect and what worked best for them as they recovered.

You have the right to lodge a grievance or complaint about your hospital stay or the care you receive while in the hospital directly with the Maine Department of Human Services Division of Licensing and Certification.* To do so you may call or write to: State of Maine Department of Human Services, Division of Licensing and Certification, State House Station 11, Augusta, Maine 04333. Tel. 1-800-621-8222 or TTY: 207-624-5512

*This agency does not address concerns about your hospital bill. Please contact the hospital directly if you have any questions about your bill.

You also have the right to contact: The Joint Commission, Office of Quality Monitoring, 1 Renaissance Blvd., Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181. Tel: 1-800-944-6610