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SPEAK UP
In March 2002, The Joint Commission, together with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, launched a national campaign to urge patients to take a role in preventing health care errors by becoming active, involved and informed participants on the health care team. The Sebastian Ferrero Foundation utilizes Speak Up in its Patient Safety Education Forums. For more information go to Speak Up website at:
http://www.jointcommission.org/GeneralPublic/Speak+Up
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Speak Up encourages patients to:
SPEAK UP!
SPEAK UP
Speak.
Speak up if you have questions or concerns.
SPEAK UP!
Pay attention.
Make sure you are getting the right treatments and the right medicines. Don’t assume anything.
SPEAK UP!
Educate yourself.
Learn about your illness, conditions, diagnosis, medical tests and procedures.
SPEAK UP!
Ask.
If you do not understand something, ask again.
Ask a family member or a friend to be your advocate - especially in the hospital.
Ask to see the math.
Ask to “double-check.”
Ask your pharmacist.
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SPEAK UP!
Know.
Know your medications – dose and frequency.
Know your weight in pounds and kilograms.
Know your allergies.
SPEAK UP!
Understand.
Understand WHY you need a medication.
Understand medication instructions.
Make a copy of the original Rx before giving it to your pharmacist.
Understand your plan of care.
SPEAK UP!
Participate!
Participate with your healthcare team. You are the most important person. Trust your instincts.
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