Patient safety is a priority at Shands HealthCare. Our goal is to ensure expert medical care in the safest environment possible, in both an inpatient and outpatient setting. As a patient, you can play a vital role in patient safety by becoming an active, involved and informed member of your healthcare team. Here are some ways you can help:

Follow general precautions

Gather information about your condition, and thoroughly read all medical forms to make sure you understand them before you sign. If you do not understand, ask your healthcare provider to explain. It is important that you know the risks, benefits and alternatives to the procedure, surgery or care planned. This is done to so you can make informed decisions about your care.

When you are in a hospital, doctor's office or other healthcare facility, expect healthcare workers to introduce themselves when they enter your room. Also look for their identification badges.

A patient identification band will be placed on your wrist or ankle and will include your name, date of birth, gender and medical record number. Wear this at all times. If it becomes tight, loose or soiled, ask your nurse to replace it. As a safety measure, staff will check this ID band when they are doing treatments, giving you medication or drawing your blood.

Falls can lead to patient injury. Please follow any instructions regarding walking or use of equipment. Don't hesitate to ask for help getting out of bed.

Frequent turning and repositioning is important to protect skin and prevent pressure sores. If you have trouble turning yourself, don't hesitate to ask the nursing staff for help.

Ask questions and express concerns

Ask your healthcare providers if you have any questions regarding your healthcare. If you do not understand their answers, ask them to explain again. Do not hesitate to tell your healthcare provider if you think they have inaccurate information about you or your care, and do not be afraid to ask about patient safety issues. If you are unable to speak, bring someone with you to speak on your behalf. Your health and safety are too important to worry about being embarrassed about asking questions or expressing concerns.

Find the right provider for your medical care

Talk to your primary care provider and work together to assess your healthcare needs. If you need a specialist, ask about his or her experience. Also, ask your physician about which hospital or facility offers the best care for your condition.

If you do not have a primary care provider, ask for recommendations. The Shands Consultation Center has a list of healthcare providers. Call (800) 749-7424 or (352) 265-8000 to speak to a representative.

Discuss your medications

Make sure your healthcare provider knows about every medication you are taking, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, dietary and herbal supplements, and vitamins. Also tell them if you have ever had any allergies or unusual reactions to any medications.

Ask for information about your medicine to be explained in terms you can understand, and ask for written information about potential side effects. Do not be afraid to tell your pharmacist, doctor or nurse if you think you have received the wrong medication.

Do not take any medications from home while you are a patient in the hospital unless you are specifically instructed by your physician to do so.

Learn more about how you can help prevent medication mistakes.

Ask about your surgery

Before your surgery, tell your surgeon, nurse and anesthesiologist about any medical allergies or reactions to any form of sedation or anesthesia. Make sure your surgical site is clearly marked with a permanent marker. Take an active part in identifying the site of your surgery. Talk to your surgeon to make sure you both agree on exactly what will be done during your operation.

Ask questions about your surgery such as

• How long will the operation last?
• How long will I be in the recovery room?
• Where should my family/friends wait?
• Will the physician come out and speak to me, my family and/or my friends after the operation?

Ask about devices or equipment

Make sure you are familiar with the operation of any medical device or equipment being used in your care, including oxygen. If oxygen is being used in your home, do not smoke or allow anyone to smoke near you while the oxygen is in use. Do not use equipment near open flames such as gas stoves or heaters.

Follow infection control tips

• Keep your hands clean.
• Make sure your healthcare workers keep their hands clean by using an alcohol-based hand hygiene product or soap and water.
• In early fall of every year, ask your healthcare provider about getting the flu shot.
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Discard used tissue, and wash your hands.
• Safely care for wounds and catheters by learning proper sterile or cleaning techniques.
• Handle needles and other sharp items safely, and discard into sharps containers to prevent injury to you and others.

Learn more about how you can help prevent infection.

More Information on Patient Safety at Shands

• Watch a video on patient safety
• Prevent medication mistakes (.pdf)
• Infection prevention (.pdf)

Downloadable forms are in the Acrobat Reader format.