Participating in Your Care (SPEAK UP) | Bermuda Hospitals Board
You are the most important member of your healthcare team! Everyone has a role in making healthcare safe. As a patient, you can make your care safer by being an active, involved member of your healthcare team.
- Make a list of questions for your care team so you will remember to ask them.
- Make sure you can see and hear well when your care team is answering your questions. Ask a relative or friend to be with you if you think this will help you understand and remember the answers.
- Make sure you receive the results of any test or procedure.
- Ask for explanations of what the results mean for you.
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 receive. Always make sure you’re getting the right treatments and medicines from the right healthcare 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. Medication errors are the most common healthcare mistakes.
Use a hospital or healthcare facility that has been carefully checked out. For example, Accreditation Canada visits our hospitals regularly to make sure we meet their hospital quality standards.
Participate in all decisions about your treatment. You are the centre of your healthcare team.