Safe Care Starts With Me: A Shared Responsibility for Patient Safety

“Ensuring Safe Medical Care”.

  1. Be Informed and Involved

  Know your diagnosis, treatment plan, and medications.

 Ask questions until you fully understand your condition and care instructions.

 Keep a personal medical file with reports, prescriptions, and test results.

 Never hesitate to clarify doubts — informed patients make safer decisions.

   2. Medication Safety

  Verify every medicine before taking — name, dose, and timing.

 Inform doctors about any allergies or past adverse drug reactions.

 Avoid selfmedication or mixing medicines without medical advice.

 Maintain a daily record of your medicines and their effects.

   3. Infection Prevention

  Practice hand hygiene before and after any wound or catheter care.

 Ensure all visitors and attendants follow hygiene rules.

 Keep dressings, catheters, and medical devices clean and dry.

 Report any redness, swelling, discharge, or fever immediately.

  4. Follow Treatment and Appointments

 Adhere strictly to prescribed treatment schedules and followup visits.

 Inform the healthcare team if you miss any medication or appointment.

 Track your recovery progress and note any new or worsening symptoms.

  5. Communication and Cooperation

 Communicate openly with doctors, nurses, and therapists.

 Share complete and truthful information about your health, habits, and lifestyle.

 Encourage caregivers to stay informed about your treatment plan.

 Coordinate with hospital staff for seamless care transitions (e.g., discharge to home).

   6. Role of Family and Caregivers

  Assist in monitoring symptoms and medication adherence.

 Ensure safe surroundings at home — remove fall risks, keep aids within reach.

 Provide emotional support and encourage positive attitude and rehabilitation.

 Maintain a log of vital signs, diet, and progress for regular review.

  7. Recognize and Report Early Warning Signs

  Notify doctors or nurses immediately about any new pain, breathlessness, rash, or confusion.

 Report any mistake or nearmiss (like wrong medicine, skipped dose) without fear.

 Early reporting can prevent complications and save lives.

  8. Ensure Documentation and Consent

  Read and understand consent forms before signing.

 Keep copies of discharge summaries, test reports, and instructions.

 Ask for written homecare guidelines and emergency contact numbers.

 9. Mental and Emotional Wellbeing

 Stay positive and connected — healing improves with hope and engagement.

 Seek counseling or peer support if you feel anxious, depressed, or overwhelmed.

 Caregivers should also take rest and emotional breaks to avoid burnout.

  10. Partnership in Safety

  Remember, “Safe Care Starts With Me.”

 Safety is not only a doctor’s or nurse’s responsibility — it’s shared by all.

 Every small, careful action — by patient, caregiver, or staff — prevents harm and ensures recovery.

Most of these are simple common sense things; They don`t require you to know complex medical details; Just grasp them and Imbibe them and act bold in your best intersts and safety