3 Simple Patient Safety Tips For Patients

At Iora Primary Care, patient safety is our priority every day. Our mission is to restore humanity to healthcare, and core to that is to ensure that any patient who walks through our doors is safe. As part of the national Patient Safety Awareness week, March 11-17,  here are three quick tips for ensuring your safety as a patient.

Feel empowered. Ask questions.

Raise concerns and speak up if something doesn’t feel right. Understand the who, what, when, where, why, and how about the care you receive. Let your care team know if you don’t understand the medical terminology or care plan. Share what concerns, needs, goals, and preferences are important to you. At Iora, we engage with patients as partners in their care; part of that care includes your safety as a patient.

Learn about the relevant information related to your care plan. We provide a printed or emailed plan at the end of your visit, but you are also welcome to take notes or contact us after the visit with any questions. You will also have access to practical health management tools and resources to reinforce your care after you leave our practice.

Tip: Remember to bring any questions you and/or your loved ones have about your health and wellness before your visit. If you are not sure what to ask, read our blog post to learn about questions doctors want you to ask. And ask for notes from your appointment.

Know your medications and allergies.

Let your care team and providers know all the medications you are taking. Include prescription drugs and hormones, as well as any over-the-counter medications such as aspirin, antacids, laxatives, eye drops and cough medicine; and herbal supplements, vitamins, minerals, diet pills and dietary supplements.

Tip: Keep an updated medication list with you.

Stop germs, stay healthy, wash your hands.

Handwashing is the most effective way to prevent the spread of infection. Whether you’re at an Iora practice, at home, work, or traveling, hand hygiene can help prevent you and everyone around you from getting sick. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, and wash with soap and water as soon as you can.

Tip: Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.

Remember, everyone has a role in ensuring patient — your — safety.

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