Patient safety awareness

  • Published
  • By the 49th Medical Group
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  The National Patient Safety Foundation has designated March 8-14, 2009, as Patient Safety Awareness Week.

According to officials with the 49th Medical Group, patient safety has been a source of pride at Holloman. During this week the group will strive to excel in patient care, safety, advocacy and patient health.

The goal of the 49th Medical Group is to make patients and their health the top priority. They will focus on ways to improve the safety of their patients' health. Below are five simple steps members of Team Holloman can take to improve their health care experience. 

Step 1: Ask questions if you have doubts or concerns.
Ask questions and make sure you understand the answers. Take a relative or friend with you to help you ask questions and understand the answers. 

Step 2: Keep and bring a list of ALL the medicines you take.
Give your doctor a list of all the medicines that you take. This list should include non-prescription medicines. Tell them about any drug allergies you have. Ask about side effects and what to avoid while taking the medicine. Read the label when you get your medicine, including all warning signs. Make sure your medicine is what the doctor ordered and know how to take it. Ask the pharmacist about your medicine if it looks different than you expected. 

Step 3: Get the results of any test or procedure.
Ask when and how you will get the results of tests or procedures. Don't assume the results are fine if you do not get them when expected, be it in person, by phone, or by mail. If you haven't been informed of your results by the time you were instructed, call 572-2778 to schedule a time to talk with your provider. Ask what the results mean for your care. 

Step 4: Pay Attention!
If something doesn't seem right, ask your doctor or healthcare professional.

Step 5: Take an ACTIVE role in your overall health.

If you have questions or concerns about patient safety at the 49th Medical Group, please feel free to contact the Patient Safety Manager, Mrs. Claudia E. Enriquez, at 575-572-7320.