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Speak Up™

The Joint Commission’s Speak Up™ program is designed to help patients and their advocates become active in their care.

Speak Up...
  • If you don’t understand something or if something doesn’t seem right.
  • If you speak another language and would like a translator.
  • If you need medical forms explained.
  • If you think you’re being confused with another patient.
  • If you don’t recognize a medicine or think you’re about to get the wrong medicine.
  • If you are not getting your medicine or treatment when you should.
  • About your allergies and reactions you’ve had to medicines

Pay Attention...
  • Check identification (ID) badges worn by doctors, nurses and other staff.
  • Check the ID badge of anyone who asks to take your newborn baby.
  • Don’t be afraid to remind doctors and nurses to wash their hands. 

Educate Yourself...
  • So you can make well-informed decisions about your care.
  • Ask doctors and nurses about their training and experience treating your condition.
  • Ask for written information about your condition.Find out how long treatment should last, and how you should feel during treatment.
  • Ask for instruction on how to use your medical equipment.

Advocates (family members and friends) can help...
  • Give advice and support — but they should respect your decisions about the care you want.
  • Ask questions, and write down important information and instructions for you.
  • Make sure you get the correct medicines and treatments.
  • Go over the consent form, so you all understand it.
  • Get instructions for follow-up care, and find out who to call if your condition gets worse. 

Use a quality health care organization that…
  • Has experience taking care of people with your condition.
  • Your doctor believes has the best care for your condition.
  • Is accredited, meaning it meets certain quality standards.
  • Has a culture that values safety and quality, and works every day to improve care.

Participate in all decisions about your care…
  • Discuss each step of your care with your doctor.
  • Don’t be afraid to get a second or third opinion.
  • Share your up-to-date list of medicines and vitamins with doctors and nurses.
  • Share copies of your medical records with your health care team.

Speak Up Joint Commission
Joint Commision Quality Control
FQHA
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