What are the four most important patient safety tips?

Once you are a patient, you might loose some control over your life. The condition or illnesses that made you a patient dictates much of what is to come – how you are going to feel, the healthcare professionals you see, the treatment you receive, and your outcome. It can be tempting as well as overwhelming to let those with medical expertise take over and guide you through the process. When seeking medical treatment, patient safety awareness is something that people should pay necessary attention to. Just because we lose some control over our illness, it does not mean we have to lose all control.

March 8-14, 2020, is Patient Safety Awareness Week, which was established to help the public recognize the need to understand the different aspects of their safety and health care. Patient Safety Awareness Week is all about raising awareness about patient safety among health professionals, patients, and families. As per the Journal of the Association of American Medical Colleges, the doctors and patients must work together to develop optimal health care outcomes.

Here are the four most crucial patient safety tips which everyone can implement:

1.Know how to approach doctors

As per some surveys, most doctors operate on a minimal schedule and often have just a few minutes for each patient visit. People must understand this complexity and make every effort to streamline the process and optimize everyone’s time. Begin by writing down every question before the visit and prioritizing the list based on overall importance. If you think you will need more time, book a longer, nonstandard appointment that goes beyond just thirty minutes. Finally, do not just visit a doctor when you are in pain; even if you suspect something might be wrong only physically, schedule a visit right away to address the issue.

2.Understand your treatment

The health care industry does not operate by a one-size-fits-all approach. To make sure you are receiving a perfectly tailored health plan, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality(AHRQ) said patients must understand all components of their treatment. What medications will you take, and what are the side effects? Do you need to have this test or procedure done, or are there alternative options? Will you need to have someone stay with you following the examination or treatment? What will be the recovery process look like? Knowing and understanding what your entire treatment procedure entails not only helps you feel more engaged but also ensures that doctors fully address your particular needs. Do not stop asking questions until you fully understand the answers. PatientMD platform ensures each patient receives safe and proper care from the physicians.

3.Always speak your mind

As per The Ochsner Journal posted in National Centre for Biotechnology Information, most patients are dissatisfied with their health care experience because communication with their doctors and nurses abruptly breaks down. On the patient end, that means doing your best to talk with doctors as often as possible, as per the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines. Patients should not be afraid to ask questions no matter what these concerns might entail, and feelings of embarrassment are secondary to your health and well-being. If you have any issues, you should also bring those up immediately. Your doctor will know if something is wrong only if you mention it. PatientMD supports and encourages all efforts to make doctor-patient communication as better as possible, which allows for better identification of patients’ needs, perceptions, and expectations.

4. Ask for help

Do not be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Often, some procedures and medications can leave you feeling tired or fatigued. People in those cases opt for self-medication, which is not the right way to treat an illness. You must seek professional help before thinking of going for self-medication. When you need assistance, book an appointment online with one of our doctors. Effective communication is always a two-way street. For patients, this could mean working to conquer the fear of asking questions and being persistent about getting the answers when necessary. At PatientMD, we make sure our patients are safe at all times to ensure the best possible recovery. You can be sure we are taking steps to keep you safe at all times with your health in mind.

PatientMD helps doctors actively engage with patients to develop the most effective treatment plans possible. From bumps and bruises to infections, PatientMD is always there for each and every patient!! If you are looking for safe and effective medical treatment, you can always book an appointment with one of our doctors.