Quality Care

Everyone can have a positive impact on patient safety

Hospitals have entire teams dedicated to measuring quality metrics and developing processes to improve patient care and safety, but patients and visitors have an important role as well.

“Everyone on our care team wants to listen to patients and their families to ensure they understand what is happening and are comfortable with their care,” says Marti Carter, RN, BSN, PHN, CIC, Director of Quality and Infection Prevention at Adventist Health Sonora. “A patient or visitor speaking up is also an opportunity for us to make the care we provide even better.”

Here are a few ways you can positively influence the care you receive in the hospital.

Talk to a trusted friend or family member about being your healthcare advocate

If you are facing important medical decisions or an upcoming hospital stay, a trusted friend or family member can be a big help. If you become stressed or your ability to communicate changes, this person can stand in for you and stand up for your care.

“Your advocate might ask questions you haven’t thought of,” explains Carter. “And it’s important to have someone who understands what you’re going through and can be there for you to provide emotional support.”

Designating a healthcare advocate and considering your future health care options is not a process limited to the elderly or sick. Sudden illness or accidents can happen to anyone at any age, so it is important to make your wishes known.

Practice hand hygiene to prevent the spread of infections

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, regular handwashing is one of the best ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick and prevent the spread of germs to others. Use soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, making sure to scrub under your nails, in between your fingers, and on the palms and backs of your hands.

“It’s an expectation that our staff are washing or sanitizing their hands before and after every interaction with a patient,” Carter says, “but don’t be afraid to ask your care providers about hand hygiene if they forget.”

If you are in the hospital, be sure to ask your visitors to clean their hands too.

Prevent medication errors

Whether you take one medicine or many, it’s important to know what you are taking and why. Ask your doctor about any new and current medicines you take so you know how to take the medicine, any side effects to watch out for and whether there’s anything you should avoid while taking the medicine. Also be sure your doctors and nurses know all the prescription drugs, over-thecounter medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements you take.

Prevent falls

As many as one million patient falls occur in U.S. hospitals each year, according to the National Institutes of Health. “Everyone is at risk of falling while in the hospital due to extended time in bed, medications or recovery from a surgery — even people you may not expect,” explains Carter. “To keep yourself safe, use the nurse call button to ask for help getting out of bed.”

Patients of all ages are at risk for falls. It’s better to be extra careful than risk another medical problem.

Make informed decisions

There are many organizations that measure and benchmark the quality of care that hospitals provide. Healthgrades recently announced the recipients of the 2024 Patient Safety Excellence Awardtm and placed Adventist Health Sonora in the top 10% of hospitals in the nation for patient safety. When choosing where to receive care, research the facility’s quality measures, awards and certifications to make sure you are accessing the highest quality care.