Patient Safety
The safety of our patients is very important to us. We encourage our patients to take an active role in their own safety by being knowledgeable about their own health condition(s). As the patient member of the healthcare team, your involvement and knowledge about your health condition, treatment and medication can go a long way in maintaining a safe healthcare environment.
At Adventist Rehab, we promote a "Speak Up" program that is sponsored by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospital Organizations.
We encourage you to:
- Speak up if you have questions or concerns
- Pay attention to the care you are receiving
- Educate yourself about your diagnosis, medical test(s) and treatment plan
- Ask a trusted family member or friend to be your advocate
- Know the medications you are taking and why you are taking them
- Ask about the facilities certification for the services provided
- Participate in all decisions about your treatment
An example of a way you can "Speak Up" is to make sure that staff are checking your armband before administering medications. You will receive this armband when you are admitted. It has your name, medical record and other identifying information on it. Don't be afraid to tell the nurse if he or she does not check your armband. WE WANT YOU TO "SPEAK UP"!
Another way to ensure our patients' safety is through use of a protective device while in bed and/or in a wheelchair. We use these on a very limited basis and will utilize the least restrictive device. Such a device may only be placed on a patient if ordered and justified in the patient's medical record by the doctor.
Occurence Reporting
Any accident or suspected medical error should be reported to the charge nurse or physician. They will file a written report of the occurrence. There will be a full investigation, including patient and/or family notification of any error or accident, which results in an unexpected adverse outcome.
Infection Control
In an acute rehabilitation hospital, the incidence of disease that can be spread from patient to patient is relatively low. However, if you have a disease or condition, which can be spread to others, you will be placed on isolation. Family members and other visitors will be expected to comply with isolation precautions. If you need additional information regarding isolation, speak with the nurse, doctor or infection control practitioner. Whether you're isolated or not, always practice good hand washing. Important times to wash your hands include before eating, after using the bathroom, and any other time that your hands are visibly soiled. Remember, hand washing is the most important means of preventing the spread of infection.