Campaign Urges Patients to Speak Up for Safer Surgery

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Campaign Urges Patients to Speak Up for Safer Surgery

(HealthNewsDigest.com)-There are five questions every patient should ask

before surgery-and knowing the answers to these questions could save your

life.

Government reports show surgical infections and medical errors occur at

alarming rates in hospitals across the U.S.ÊA new educational initiative

called the Smarter Patient Campaign is encouraging patients toÊbecome more

actively involved in the decisions that impact the safety of their health

care.ÊThe campaign is arming patients with critical questions to ask before

surgery and with resources to get accurate health information.

" More informed patients are more positive patients and have better

outcomes, " said Sheila , a registered nurse and spokesperson for the

Smarter Patient Campaign. " Unfortunately, many patients do not get the

information they need. The Smarter Patient Campaign is a great way to

encourage patients to become active partners in their medical care, right

alongside their doctor and nurse. "

Here are the questions every patient should ask before surgery:

1. Are There Other Treatment Options for My Condition? Your surgeon should

be able to tell you what all of your treatment options are, and why he or

she is recommending a certain procedure.

2. Will a Registered Nurse (RN) Be Present in the OR During My Surgery? The

role of a registered professional nurse in the operating room is an

important part of health care.

3. Will Reprocessed Disposable Instruments Be Used In My Surgery? Some

hospitals reprocess and reuse disposable instruments on multiple patients,

even though they were made for use on one patient only. Every patient has

the right to insist that only new instruments are used during their surgery.

Patients can download a patient declaration form to take to their doctor at

www.smarterpatient.com.

4. Am I Receiving the Right Medication? Make sure your physician knows about

all of the medicines you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, herbs

and supplements.

5. How Will The Surgeon Verify He or She is Performing the Right Surgery On

the Right Place On My Body? Wrong-site surgery accounts for nearly one-fifth

of undesirable events in the hospital setting. Ask the operating surgeon to

mark the area that is to be operated upon on the day of surgery.

Find out more information about these critical questions, preparing for

surgery, choosing a surgeon and what to expect during recovery by visiting

www.smarterpatient.com.

A new campaign helps empower patients to ask critical questions before

surgery.

www.HealthNewsDigest.com