MHC recognizes the significance of providing patients with comprehensive resources and information to aid in the achievement of sound health outcomes associated with the provision of quality care. It is extremely important that patients are treated as partners in the healthcare delivery process. This requires patients to have access to the appropriate educational resources and tools regarding their relevant condition and current status of health indicators. It is also necessary that patients be informed of any safety measures or health guidelines that their physician recommends that they adhere to during their daily lives, as well as the provision of as much professional support and guidance as possible in the selection of healthy lifestyle choices. Each month, patients are encouraged to visit our website to receive new information and updated material for reference in living a healthier lifestyle.

THE FINAL CHOICE IS YOURS!
(Use this question guide to gather the information you need to know from your healthcare professional.)

• My Medicines
  • When should I notice a difference or improvement? When should I speak with the doctor? Will I need to have any testing to monitor this drug's effectiveness?
  • What other medicines or therapies could be used to treat this condition? How do the risks and the benefits compare?
  • What is the medicine for and what effect should I expect? Does this drug replace any other medicine I have been using?
  • How and when will I use it, what amount will I use, and for how long will I use it? What do I do if I miss a dose?
  • To prevent interactions, should I avoid any other medications (prescription or over-the-counter), nutritional supplements, drinks, foods, or activities while using this drug?

• Always bring or prepare a detailed list of all prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, as well as any nutritional supplements that you take to your doctor appointments. Include the following information:
  • Medication or supplement names
  • How much you take
  • How often you take it
  • Any issues or side effects noticed and their severity/duration
  • Name of the doctor who prescribed the medications and their contact information

• Speak Up Program

The Joint Commission has initiated the Speak up program that urges patients to take an initiative role in preventing health care errors by becoming active, involved and informed participants on the health care team. Since its launch in 2002, the Speak Up program has grown to include 17 campaign brochures and three posters, as well as Spanish language versions of all brochures. The basic framework of the Speak Up campaign encourages patients to:

Speak up if you have questions or concerns. If you still don't understand, ask again. It's your body and you have a right to know.

Pay attention to the care you get. Always make sure you're getting the right treatments and medicines by the right health care professionals. Don't assume anything.

Educate yourself about your illness. Learn about the medical tests you get, and your treatment plan.

Ask a trusted family member or friend to be your advocate (advisor or supporter).

Know what medicines you take and why you take them. Medicine errors are the most common health care mistakes.

Use a hospital, clinic, surgery center, or other type of health care organization that has been carefully checked out. For example, The Joint Commission visits hospitals to see if they are meeting The Joint Commission's quality standards.

Participate in all decisions about your treatment. You are the center of the health care team.