As a patient, you can make your care safer by being an active, involved and informed member of your healthcare team. The Speak Up™ initiative provides simple advice on how you can help make healthcare a good experience.

Research shows that patients who take part in decisions about their own healthcare are more likely to get better faster. To help prevent healthcare mistakes, patients are urged to “speak up.”

Speak up if you have questions or concerns. If you still do not understand, ask again. It is your body and you have a right to know.

Pay attention to the care you get. Always make sure you are getting the right treatments and medicines by the right healthcare professionals. Do not 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, clinic, surgery center, or other type of healthcare organization that has been carefully checked out. For example, The Joint Commission visits hospitals to see if they are meeting established quality standards.

Participate in all decisions about your treatment. You are the center of the healthcare team.

Download the Speak Up brochure for more information. Find Speak Up videos and more here.

atom Alliance wants to help patients acquire the information, skills and confidence to live well and effectively manage their health and healthcare. Find additional resources here.