Naval Health Clinic Corpus Christi celebrates Patient Safety Awareness Week March 10-16

Patient Safety Awareness Week will be observed at Naval Health Clinic Corpus Christi March 10-16.

Organized by the National Patient Safety Foundation, PSAW highlights a national education and awareness-building campaign for improving patient safety and developing lasting partnerships among staff, patients, and the community.

“Everyone in the health care process plays a role in delivering safe care, and by uniting together and sharing that common goal, we can make a difference in patient safety,” said Capt. Miguel A. Cubano, NHC Corpus Christi commanding officer in a written message to staff.

“From patients to care providers, from the front lines to the executive suite, from the patient and family advocate to the corporate solutions provider – we are all united in the goal of keeping patients and those who care for them free from harm.”

As a patient, you have a very important role for ensuring your own safety, beginning with the best level of understanding of your care.

By asking three simple questions while speaking with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist, you will equip yourself to make informed decisions about your health.

What is my main problem? Communication between you and your health care provider is essential for a safe and quality experience.

And that is important because studies show that over a third of all patients lack a decent level of understanding.

What do I need to do? Ask your health care provider questions until you feel you truly understand his or her directions about procedures and medication.

Why is it important for me to do this? Studies show that people who understand health instructions make fewer mistakes when they take their medicine or prepare for a medical procedure.

They may also get well sooner or be able to better manage a chronic health condition.

There are other simple steps that will also increase your patient safety.

Always ensure that staff validate your identity (name and date of birth) prior to treatment, testing or diagnostics to prevent wrong-patient errors.

Also, maintain a current list of medications, and take it to all appointments. Being informed helps your doctor with decisions regarding the most effective prescriptions to make, decreasing the risk for over medicating.

Pharmacists will also be able to spot potential harmful interactions and allergy risks if they are aware of all the meds you take.

According to Jeannine Hardwick, R.N., NHC Corpus Christi patient safety officer,

“While we are committed to quality and safety every single day with every single patient, this week provides an opportunity to engage staff and patients alike to focus awareness squarely on patient safety!

After all, our ‘vision’ is to become the leading high reliability organization for all of military medicine, and in doing so we strive for zero patient harm.”

NHC Corpus Christi and its branch health clinic’s provide ambulatory care services to over 13,000 beneficiaries in South Texas and the Dallas/Fort Worth area.