Efforts to Improve Patient Safety
In addition to quality, Scott & White is committed to patient safety. Take a look at some of the ways we work to keep you comfortable and protected.
How Does Scott & White Keep Me Safe?
We work to prevent falls
- Our patients are given special socks to decrease the risk of falling
- We have "fall prevention" improvement teams that work on ways to prevent our patients from falling
We work to prevent "wrong site" surgeries
- We require our medical team to have a "time out" before your procedure/surgery begins to ensure you are the correct patient and that the procedure being done is the correct procedure
- We mark the correct body part, where possible, so the doctor does not operate on the wrong body part
We work to reduce medication errors
- We scan your wrist band prior to dispensing medications to ensure you are given the correct medications
- We use electronic prescriptions to decrease errors that may occur from handwritten prescription orders
We clearly identify ourselves
- Staff wear badges and should identify themselves when they enter your room
We clearly identify you
- You will be asked to wear an identification bracelet during the entire hospitalization
- The care team should clarify your name before giving you any medications and before performing any prodcedures or tests on you
We wash our hands
- We either use soap and water or an alcohol based cleanser
- You are welcome to ask your healthcare provider to wash their hands in front of you before examining you
We use technology
- We are transitioning from paper charts and records to computerized records. This makes you safer by enhancing communication between your health care providers.
- We are working to share your records with each facility
We communicate with each other
- We have interdisciplinary rounds
We protect your privacy
- We close the door, when possible, when we discuss your medical information
- We shred documents with patient information
- We only disclose information about your healthcare over the phone with your permission
We have doctors and nurses specially trained in quality working to make our hospital safer
- We have monthly quality and patient safety meetings
- We offer training on quality and patient safety to our employees
- We have an entire office of quality and patient safety dedicated to keeping you safe
We are accredited by the Joint Commission
- The Joint Commission is an independent, not-for-profit agency that accredits and certifies health care organizations. Receiving Joint Commission accreditation is nationally recognized as a symbol of excellence and commitment to high quality health care
What Can I do as a Patient to Stay Safe?
Keep an updated list of your medications with you at all times- Ensure your wristband clearly lists your allergies
- Wash your hands, and ensure your healthcare providers wash their hands or use alcohol rinse before treating you. Don’t be afraid to speak up about this!
- Always ask questions about your care such as: Who are you? What is your role on my healthcare team? What is my diagnosis? What is the plan for today? What are these medicines and why are they important?
- Pay attention to your care. Tell the doctors and nurses if something doesn’t seem right.
- Ask your doctor to check for interactions between new medications and the medications you are already taking
- Ask for help when getting out of bed
- Be sure to understand all discharge instructions including new medications before you leave
- Know the “warning signs” you should look for at home to see if you need to come back to the hospital
- Considering having a family member, friend, or caregiver with you in the hospital to help you understand your care and to ask questions on your behalf