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Sentara Patient Safety
Other Steps You Can Take
Speak up if you have questions or concerns. You have a right to question anyone who is involved with your care.
Make sure that someone, such as your personal doctor, is in charge of your care. This is especially important if you have many health problems or are in a hospital.
Make sure that all health professionals involved in your care have important health information about you.
Do not assume that everyone knows everything they need to know.
Ask a family member or friend to be there with you and to be your advocate. You may need someone who can help get things done and speak up for you if you can't. Even if you think you don't need help now, you might need it later.
Know that "more" is not always better.
It is a good idea to find out why a test or treatment is needed and how it can help you. You could be better off without it.
If you have a test, don't assume that no news is good news. Ask about the results.
Learn about your condition and treatments by asking your health care professionals and by using other reliable sources.
If you have questions or want more information about patient safety, contact your physician, pharmacist, hospital or health plan.
Additional information is also available from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and the Institute for Safe Medication Practices.
Protect your health:
- Your medications
- Hospital Stays
- Surgery
- Home Health
- Other Steps You Can Take
- Patient Safety for Older Adults
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