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ABOUT PATIENT SAFETY AWARENESS WEEK March 7-13, 2010

 

Patient Safety Awareness Week (PSAW) is a national education and awareness-building campaign for improving patient safety at the local level.  At Home Personal Care and other healthcare organizations across the country will promote patient safety and help individuals incorporate themselves as active participants in their healthcare plan. We are part of many organizations building partnerships within our healthcare community and educating the public.  

 

In order to get the “right” diagnosis, it is important for patients to take an active role in working with their doctor and nurse.

 

Here are some tips for you to help the senior in your life (or yourself):

 

Be Clear  Take some time to think about when your symptoms started, what made your symptoms better or worse, or if your symptoms were related to taking medications, eating a meal, exercising, or a certain time of day.

 

Be Complete Try to remember all of the important information about your illness. Write down some notes and bring them with you, a family member may be able to help you with this.

 

Be Accurate Sometimes a nurse or health technician may ask you questions about your illness before you see the doctor.  Make sure your doctor hears the same story.

 

Be a Good Historian

  • Remember what treatments you have tried in the past and if they helped
  • Think about how your illness has progressed over time
  • Think about your family’s medical history and if you may be at risk to get the same illness

 

Be a Good Record Keeper

  • Keep your own records of test results, referrals, and hospital admissions
  • Keep an accurate list of your medications
  • Bring your medication list with you when you see your doctor, nurse or pharmacist

 

Learn About Your Medications

 

  • Know the name of your medication (both generic and brand names)
  • For Example: Tylenol (brand name) and Acetaminophen (generic name)
  • Know what the medication is for
  • Know the amount (dose) you need to take
  • Know the time you need to take it during the day
  • Know the side effects to watch for and report to your doctor
  • Know if the medication interacts with any food or drugs

 

Remember:

  • Sometimes your diagnosis is the most “likely” thing that is wrong, but it may not be the “right” thing
  • Don’t be afraid to ask “What else could this be?”
  • Encourage your doctor or nurse to think about other possible reasons for your illness

 

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