On August 5, 2009 Th Joint Commission launched a new Speak UpTM campaign to help parents make a difference in their child's care by asking the right questions and being actively involved, whether it's at the doctor's office, in the hospital, or even at home. Topcis include:
- Symptoms that mean you need to take your child to the doctor or hospital immediately
- Preparing for your child's visit to the doctor's office
- What you shoudl ask the doctor
- Taking medicine safely
- Having a medical or laboratory test
- Going to the hospital
- Having a safe operation
The original Speak UpTM Campaign was launched in March 2002 by the Joint Commissiom, together with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The goal of the campaign is to urge patients to be a part of the health care team, take a role in preventing health care errors by becoming active, involved and informed. Speak Up encourages the public 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 health care team.
The information on this page was created by The Joint Commission, more information can be found at their website www.jointcommission.org
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