Medical errors account for more deaths in America than breast cancer, AIDS, or car accidents annually. Taking charge in improving patient safety and the patient/provider relationship, each year the Florida Patient Safety Corporation sponsors Patient Safety Awareness Week in March. This year, Patient Safety Awareness Week is March
8-14, 2009. This week-long informative campaign is directed toward patients and healthcare providers, working to develop a more interactive relationship as well as teaching patients to be more proactive with their healthcare.
During each day of Patient Safety Awareness Week, we will provide a new tip to enhance the quality of patient care and protection. Also, patients and providers can visit this web site throughout the year for insights on patient safety and the patient-provider relationship.
Governor's Proclamation
This year, Governor Crist issued a proclamation declaring March 8 -14,2009 as Patient Safety Awareness Week. Click here to view the Governor's Proclamation.
2009 Patient Safety Awareness Week Tips
Patient Tips
- Always ask for lab and other test results. Don’t assume that no news is good news.
- Be involved in the decision making process. Ask about alternatives.
- Find out why a test or treatment is needed and how it will help you.
- If the medicine you are receiving looks different from what you expect, ask the nurse about it.
- When you are discharged, please make sure your physician talks to you about the medicine you will be taking, what it is for and how much you should take.
Provider Tips
- To accurately identify patients use at least two patient identifiers, particularly when administering medications or blood products, taking blood samples and other specimens for clinical testing, or providing any other treatments or procedures.
- When conveying verbal or telephone orders and critical test results, verify the complete information by having the person receiving the information repeat it to you.
- Hospitals should assist staff in preventing miscommunication by keeping a standardized list of abbreviations, acronyms and symbols and what they mean, as well as ones that should not be used because they cause confusion.
- Always encourage patients to speak up if they have questions or concerns.
- Having Patient Safety checklists and brochures available and posters visible are reminders and displays of support for the patient taking a role in their healthcare.
Click here to view ways to celebrate Patient Safety Awareness Week.
National Patient Safety Awareness Week