Speak Up™

The Joint Commission’s Speak Up™ program is designed to help patients and their advocates become active in their care.

Speak Up...

If you don’t understand something or if something doesn’t seem right.
If you speak another language and would like a translator.
If you need medical forms explained.
If you think you’re being confused with another patient.
If you don’t recognize a medicine or think you’re about to get the wrong medicine.
If you are not getting your medicine or treatment when you should.
About your allergies and reactions you’ve had to medicines

Pay Attention...

Educate Yourself...

So you can make well-informed decisions about your care.
Ask doctors and nurses about their training and experience treating your condition.
Ask for written information about your condition.Find out how long treatment should last, and how you should feel during treatment.
Ask for instruction on how to use your medical equipment.

Advocates (family members and friends) can help...

Give advice and support — but they should respect your decisions about the care you want.
Ask questions, and write down important information and instructions for you.
Make sure you get the correct medicines and treatments.
Go over the consent form, so you all understand it.
Get instructions for follow-up care, and find out who to call if your condition gets worse.

Use a quality health care organization that…

Has experience taking care of people with your condition.
Your doctor believes has the best care for your condition.
Is accredited, meaning it meets certain quality standards.
Has a culture that values safety and quality, and works every day to improve care.

Participate in all decisions about your care…