Patient & Visitor Information
'I Speak Up'
To increase patient awareness & involvement in health care
Mercy Health Network– North Iowa
Sponsored by Catholic Health Initiatives and Mercy Health Services
Infections can occur after many types of medical procedures. There are several things you can do to prevent infections from spreading in the hospital:
- Wash your hands carefully after handling any type of soiled material, especially after you have gone to the bathroom
- Don’t be afraid to remind your doctors and nurses and your visitors to wash their hands
- Many diseases are spread through sneezes and coughs. When you sneeze or cough, the germs can travel three feet or more! Control a cough or sneeze by using a tissue, cover your mouth and nose with the crook of your elbow or hands. If you use your hands, wash your hands right away
Speak up if you have questions or concerns. If you don’t understand, ask again. It’s your body and you have the right to know.
- Don’t worry about being embarrassed if you don’t understand – ask for an explanation in layperson’s words.
- If you are having surgery, ask the doctor about marking the surgery site.
Pay attention to the care that you are receiving. Make sure you are getting the right treatment and medications by the right health care professionals. Don’t assume anything.
- Tell your nurse or doctor if something does not seem right
- Health care workers should introduce themselves and you should look for identification badges
- Know what time of day you normally receive medication. If it doesn’t happen, bring it to the attention of your nurse or doctor.
Educate yourself about your diagnosis, the medical tests you are undergoing, and your treatment plan.
- Ask your doctor about the specialized training and experience that qualifies him or her to treat your illness.
- Get a second opinion, if needed.
- Gather information about your condition and treatment from you doctor, the library, reputable Internet websites, etc.
- Thoroughly read all medical forms and make sure you understand these before you sign anything. If you don’t understand, ask your doctor or nurse to explain them.
- Make sure you are familiar with the operation of any equipment that is being used in your care.
- Make sure your wishes are known concerning life support or resuscitation.
Ask a trusted family member or friend to be your advocate.
- Your advocate is your voice and memory during your care. They should know your wishes, questions, and help to remember instructions, and assist in watching your care and condition, so they can speak on your behalf.
Know what medications you take and why you take them. Medication errors are the most common health care mistake.
- Share with your doctor a list of your current medicines, vitamins, herbs and supplements. Also list allergies and negative reactions you have had to medications in the past.
- Ask about purpose and side effects of medication.
- If you do not recognize a medication, verify that it is for you. Ask about oral medications before swallowing, and read the contents of bags of intravenous (IV) fluids. If you’re not well enough to do this, ask your advocate to do this.
- If you are given an IV, ask the nurse how long it should take for the liquid to “run out.” Tell the nurse if it doesn’t seem to be dripping properly (is it too fast or too slow).
- Tell your nurse or doctor if you don’t feel well after receiving a medicine. If you think you are having a reaction or experiencing side effects, ask for help immediately.
Use a hospital, clinic, surgery center, or other health care organization that has a good reputation.
- Ask about the organization’s experience in treating your type of illness or frequency of performing the procedure.
- Before you leave, ask about follow-up care, have your written discharge instructions including a list of medicines you need to keep taking.
- Ask for and use the “medication wallet” to keep track of medication information.
Participate in all decisions about your care and treatment. You are the center of the health care team.
- You and your doctor should agree on exactly what will be done during each step of your care.
- Know who will be taking care of you, how long the treatment will last, and how you should feel.
- Understand that more tests or medications may not always be better. Ask your doctor what a new test or medication is likely to achieve.
Sponsors of this information:
Belmond
Medical Center
Ellsworth Municipal
Hospital
Franklin
General Hospital
Hancock
County Memorial Hospital
Kossuth Regional
Health Center
Mercy
Medical Center – New Hampton
Mercy Medical Center – North
Iowa
Mitchell County
Regional Health Center
Palo Alto County Health
Services
Regional Health Services
of Howard County
And affiliated clinics