Introduction

In the complex landscape of healthcare, patient empowerment is a crucial aspect that can significantly enhance the safety and quality of care. Patient empowerment is a cornerstone in building a healthcare system that prioritizes safety and quality. Patients and their families who actively participate in their care become partners in the decision-making process. This empowerment not only improves communication between healthcare providers and patients but also ensures that patients are well-informed advocates for their own health.

By fostering a sense of responsibility and engagement, patient empowerment becomes a catalyst for a more patient-centered approach, where healthcare decisions are made collaboratively, taking into account the unique needs and preferences of each individual.

Patient empowerment contributes to a culture of transparency and accountability within the healthcare system.

When patients are encouraged to speak up, ask questions, and actively engage in their healthcare, it creates a feedback loop that can lead to continuous improvement. Healthcare providers, in turn, are prompted to enhance their communication skills, address patient concerns, and consistently strive for higher standards of care.

This dynamic interaction between patients and healthcare professionals promotes a shared commitment to safety and quality, ultimately creating an environment where the well-being of the patient is at the forefront of healthcare practices.

Patient empowerment is not just a concept; it is a transformative force that elevates the overall standard of healthcare, fostering a system where every individual can confidently navigate their healthcare journey.

Case Study

My client, Liz*, was desperate.

Liz’s husband, Ted*, had undergone a limb amputation. Surgery had gone well, but after discharge from the hospital, there was no long-term plan for rehabilitation or nursing care. Ted was placed in a facility not well-suited to his post-surgical nursing care needs. The facility was also extremely expensive.

When Liz turned to me for help, she was at wit’s end. Ted needed skilled nursing care and rehabilitation at a cost-effective, local facility.

“What type of place is best for his placement or is there any possible way for him to be at home?” Liz asked.

Fortunately for Ted, Liz was actively advocating for him and his healthcare needs.  Liz recognized that Ted’s current situation was not acceptable long-term.

Liz and I sat down and created a list of questions critical to Ted’s successful rehabilitation. We then identified the individuals she would need to speak with to get answers to those questions.

As a result, Liz empowered herself and her husband by asking questions until she got the answers she needed.

Eventually, Liz found a rehabilitation facility with nursing and rehabilitation staff that could manage Ted’s post-surgical needs at an affordable cost.

How Can You Empower Your Healthcare?

The Joint Commission’s “Speak Up™” initiative provides valuable guidelines for patients and their advocates, emphasizing the importance of active involvement in their healthcare journey. In this blog post, we will delve into some key principles of Speak Up™ for Your Care and explore how patients, with the support of their advocates, can take charge of their well-being. (Learn more about the Joint Commission and its role in healthcare organization accreditation HERE.)

I. Speak Up When Something Doesn’t Seem Right:

The first step in patient empowerment is the willingness to speak up when faced with uncertainty or concerns. Patients are encouraged to voice their questions or reservations if they don’t understand a certain aspect of their care or if something feels amiss. This proactive approach fosters effective communication between patients and healthcare providers, contributing to a safer healthcare environment. Like Liz, if a situation seems to be beyond the skills of caregivers, ask questions and don’t be afraid to change facilities or healthcare providers.

II. Pay Attention to Your Safety:

The Joint Commission underscores the significance of patients being vigilant about their safety. Checking identification badges, especially when dealing with newborns, and reminding healthcare professionals to wash their hands are simple yet powerful actions that can prevent potential risks. Patient awareness plays a pivotal role in maintaining a secure healthcare setting.

III. Educate Yourself for Informed Decision-Making:

Knowledge is a powerful tool in healthcare decision-making. Patients are encouraged to educate themselves about their conditions, treatment options, and the qualifications of their healthcare providers. Seeking information, asking questions, and understanding treatment protocols empower patients to actively participate in decisions about their care. Ask your healthcare provider for trustworthy sources of information. “Dr. Google” is not always your friend.

IV. The Role of Advocates in Healthcare:

Advocates, including family members and friends, play a crucial role in patient empowerment. While offering advice and support, advocates are encouraged to respect the patient’s decisions about their care. Collaborating with healthcare professionals, advocates can ensure that patients receive the correct medicines, understand consent forms, and have instructions for follow-up care. Remember, patients are likely to be tired, unwell, and unable to remember all the details of their care. Advocates can take notes, help the patient express their healthcare wishes, and manage details such as arranging for prescription pickup or delivery.

V. Know Your Medications:

Understanding prescribed medications is vital for patient safety. Patients are advised to inquire about the purpose, side effects, and safety of their medications. The importance of obtaining clear information, including brand and generic names, and ensuring compatibility with other medications, is emphasized. Patients are also encouraged to ask for printed prescriptions to avoid misinterpretation.

VI. Choose Quality Healthcare Organizations:

Selecting a healthcare organization with a proven track record in treating specific conditions is crucial. Accreditation, a culture that values safety and quality, and continuous efforts to improve care are indicators of a quality healthcare organization. Patients are advised to actively participate in decisions about their care, discuss each step with their doctor, and seek second or third opinions if necessary.

Source Material:  Joint Commission Speak Up™ About Your Care

Conclusion:

The information in this post serves as a valuable guide for patients and their advocates, promoting active participation in healthcare decisions. By embracing the principles of speaking up, paying attention to safety, educating oneself, involving advocates, understanding medications, and choosing quality healthcare organizations, patients can empower themselves to make informed decisions about their well-being.

Like Liz in the case study, we must ask questions until we are satisfied the answers will provide the healthcare needed for the patient.

This collaborative approach between patients, advocates, and healthcare professionals is fundamental in creating a healthcare system that prioritizes safety, quality, and patient-centered care.

*Names changed to protect client privacy.

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