Risk Management 

Empowering Your Patients

by Salvatore Volpe, MD, FAAP, FACP, CHCQM

Printable Version of this Article Downloadable list of recommendations for patients

The value of communication in any relationship cannot be overestimated, particularly when it comes to the relationship between a doctor and a patient.  One of the most common sources of patients’ concerns is the perceived lack of time they have to discuss problems with their physicians and other healthcare providers.  That’s why it is essential for physicians to encourage their patients to be actively engaged in their own health care.  By educating patients and providing them with useful information, physicians have an opportunity to empower their patients and help them to make informed choices about their health care and courses of treatment.  Doing so, in turn, should improve health outcomes, as well as patient satisfaction. 

Positive outcomes and satisfied patients usually mean a reduction in medical malpractice liability exposure.  The list of recommendations below may be reproduced and handed out to your patients as a useful tool to help them become more actively involved in their own health care. For a printer-friendly version of the list, click here (PDF).

This information, which I have modified for use in my own practice, was originally printed by Medical Economics.  The complete article, as well as additional information, can be found at the following websites: 
http://www.medicaleconomics.com/
www.ahrq.gov/consumer/20tips.htm
www.ahrq.gov/consumer/quicktips/doctalk.htm

Take an active role in your health care
We’re committed to getting you healthy and helping you stay that way, but you’re a key player in making that happen. Here are suggestions from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality that all patients should follow:

• 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 primary care doctor, is in charge of your care. This is especially important if you have many health problems or are in the 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.
• 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 doctor and by using other reliable sources. For example, treatment recommendations based on the latest scientific evidence are available from the National Guideline Clearinghouse at www.guideline.gov.

Once you leave the doctor’s office:

• If you have questions, call.
• If your symptoms get worse, or if you have problems with your medicine, call.
• If your doctor said you need to have certain tests, make appointments at the lab or other offices to get them done.
• If your doctor said you should see a specialist, make an appointment.

Medicines:

• Make sure that all of your doctors know about everything you are taking. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines as well as dietary supplements such as vitamins and herbs.
• Make sure your doctor knows about any allergies and adverse reactions you have had to medicines.
• When medicine is prescribed for you, ask the following questions:
  • What is the medicine for?
  • How should I take it, and for how long?
  • What side effects are likely? What do I do if they occur?
  • Is this medicine safe to take with other medicines or dietary supplements I am taking?
  • What food, drink, or activities should I avoid while taking this medicine?
• When you pick up your medicine, ask: Is this the medicine that my doctor prescribed? Ask your pharmacist for the best device to measure your liquid medicine. Special devices, like marked syringes, help people measure the right dose. Being told how to use the devices helps even more
• Ask for written information about the side effects your medicine can cause. If you know what might happen, you will be better prepared if it does. If something unexpected happens, you can report the problem right away and get help before it gets worse.

If you have to go to the hospital:

• Choose a hospital at which many patients have had the procedure or surgery you need.
• When you are discharged, ask your doctor to explain the home treatment plan. This includes learning about your medicines and finding out when you can get back to your regular activities.
• If you are having surgery, make sure that you, your doctor, and your surgeon agree and are clear on exactly what will be done.
• Ask a family member or friend to be there with you and to be your advocate (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.

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Sources:
- “Patient Fact Sheet: 20 Tips to Help Prevent Medical Errors,” AHRQ publication No. 00-PO38, February 2000
- “Quick Tips—When Talking with Your Doctor,” AHRQ publication No. 01-0040a, May 2002. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD.  For complete text, go to www.ahrq.gov/consumer/20tips.htm and www.ahrq.gov/consumer/quicktips/doctalk.htm

- Related Risk Tools for your Practice - Free poster and handout available to all Princeton physician policyholders "Sometimes the Best Prescription is Knowledge"   Developed by the Princeton Insurance Healthcare Risk Services Department, these materials will help you demonstrate to your patients your commitment to better communication and will encourage their participation in their own care.   View the poster here. To obtain your posters and/or handouts, please contact us at 1.866.Rx4RISK. Or, visit the insured secure site at PrincetonInsurance.com (you must be a registered user to access the available risk tools). To learn how to register, visit our website here.