Chief Nursing officer Margaret Pearce with University Health care gives tips on how you can empower yourself to handle your health matters.
___________________________________________________________________________
What you need to know to prepare yourself can save your life and that of your family.
A New Era of Patient Care
•At University Health Care we’re continuing to enhance our patient first philosophy. We do this in the way we design new additions to the hospital, in the way we interact with patients and in the way we design systems and processes involved in patients care.
•Some of the changes people will start to see is our transition to electronic medical records, which will be complete by this Fall. Another change is the opening of the additional floors on the hospital’s critical care pavilion. Our flexible design allows us to be truly functional and efficient to best serve the needs of our staff, and most importantly, the patient.
But patients can and should take an active role in their health care.
Tips for the Empowered Patient
•Keep a list of medications
It’s important to know your medications and the purpose of each one. If you’re caring for an elderly family member, it’s important to keep a list for them. Take this list with you when you go to the doctor, hospital, or any health-care provider.
•Ask for written instructions
Even if you understand the instructions, request the information be written down for you. You may not remember everything once you’re home.
•Designate a surrogate
Hospitals can be confusing places, especially when you aren’t feeling well. Whether you’re 90 or 25, ask someone you trust to be available to assist you while you’re hospitalized.
•Always know the medication before taking it
Never take a drug without being told the reason for taking it by a nurse, doctor or pharmacist. You can help prevent medication errors, especially as a patient in a hospital.
•Ask questions
There is no such thing as a stupid or embarrassing question. As a patient, you have the right to be informed about your care and to be in control of decisions made.
______________________________________________________________
If you have a question or what to learn more about what University Health Care can do for you, go to healthcare.utah.edu
Add comment