Saturday, January 12, 2013

Part II: Creating positive health outcomes for patients: Five Things Patients can do


Continuing with the four part series on Creating Positive Health Outcomes, last week was Five Things Family/Friends Can Do, this week’s focus is what patients can do.

Today’s health care is  “patient centered,” which requires that the patient and/or their designee, make choices and decisions about treatments, tests etc. Since this is a shift from the “provider down” approach of old, it can be confusing, frustrating and challenging. It means that patients need to be as clear as they can be about what they want, so if the situation arises where they can’t speak for themselves, their wishes are carried out. As we age, this brings its own set of unique issues, particularly if there are no children or family to represent them.

As my brother-in-law noted recently, Whether family or friends, an individual anticipating decline must increase her/his awareness of the shortfalls which may occur in his/her care, whether hospital, nursing home or at home.  Part of growing older is losing friends and family so this may require building new networks of friends or family whose mandate is health management advocacy agreed to in a reciprocal compact.  This means conversation and planning in an informal forward looking way among the team members in an effort to take a role in each other’s care. 

As you go through the five things patients can do, you will see overlap. For example, “Keeping a health notebook” appears under three headings simply because it’s a good way to tract what happens and it helps when information doesn’t make it into the medical chart. Unfortunately, missing information from a patient’s chart is a very common occurrence and can compromise care.

1. Know your rights and responsibilities as a patient and act accordingly: Most hospitals, health centers and even states have specified rights and responsibilities. Be sure to check these sources. Below are general guidelines on rights and responsibilities.

You have the right to:
• Considerate and respectful care regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender, payment source or health care condition.

• Current and understandable information concerning diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. Expect reasonable assistance to overcome language (including limited English proficiency), cultural, physical or communication barriers.

• The identity of the physician, nurses and others involved in your care, including those who are students, residents or other trainees.

• Work with medical providers in establishing the plan of care, including the refusal of a recommended treatment, without the fear of reprisal or discrimination. Be told of realistic care alternatives when the current treatment is no longer working

  Privacy and the expectation that all records and communication are treated as confidential.

• Your medical records.. Request that your provider amend your record if it is not accurate, relevant or complete

• Expect that an advance directive (such as a living will, health care power of attorney) will be honored by the medical staff.

• Receive timely notice and explanation of changes in fees or billing practices.

• Voice concerns, complaints and questions about care and expect a timely response.

• Expect that the medical caregivers will give the necessary health services to the best of their ability. If a transfer of care is recommended, you should be informed of the benefits and alternatives.

• Access to emergency services. In the event of a medical emergency, where you believe your life is in danger, you have the right to receive screening and stabilization without prior authorization or financial penalty.

As a Patient, You Have the Responsibility To:
• Provide your medical caregivers with accurate and complete information, and convey your understanding about what is expected of you in regard to your treatment. If you believe you cannot follow through with your treatment, let them know. Inform them of changes in your condition, care situation or modification or completion of important legal forms, such as advanced directives

• Meet your financial obligations as promptly as possible.

• Be considerate of the rights of other patients and medical personnel while in the hospital.

• Recognize the reality of risks and limits of the science of medical care and the human fallibility of the health care professional.

• Be aware of the health care provider's obligation to be reasonably efficient and equitable in providing care to other patients and the community.

• Become knowledgeable about your health care plan.

• Keep appointments and notify your provider if unable to do so.

For more information

2. Advocate for yourself.
Ask questions. Ask for what you need. Ask for your medical information (tests, treatments, records etc.)
Decisions: You are in charge of deciding what you want to happen. Don’t pretend you understand if you don’t. Don’t stay with a provider you don’t feel comfortable with them.                    
Voice your concerns.
Organize a health record and keep it up to date.
Communicate with your provider, family and friends.  Communicate what you want and feel-Be specific and put it in writing Communicating includes listening. Consider your priorities-what is it that you need and want.  Calling your provider-know how to reach them in case of emergency.  Choose health information carefully. Consider a second opinion. Choice-You have the right to refuse treatment
Advocate: Ask a family member or friend to help you get what you need.
Talk to others: Join a support group. Team: You and your provider are a team. You are the captain of the team. Treat your care team with respect and honesty. Take a “friend with a pen” to office visits. Think about questions in advance and write them down. Take your time in making a decision that will change your life Take responsibility for the decisions you make.
Educate yourself and others about your condition. Learn about local resources that can help you. Expert: You are the expert on you.

For more information

3. Be clear about what you want and need. Letting your medical provider, caregivers,  family and friends know what you want and need up front and in writing can save time, energy, reduce frustration, helps you get what you want and could even save your life. 
• Fill out advance directives, designate a health proxy, and be clear who people can go to for information about how you are doing and what you might need.
• If you have a serious condition, where it’s important for someone treating you in an emergency situation to know about, wear a medic alert bracelet as well as carry written instructions about what you might need, medications you are on etc. If you are unable to communicate, be sure to have accessible written information that you want them to know. It can help if you have your medical provider include a letter about your treatment protocol and how to contact them. Note that there are services, like MedicAlert  that can provide immediate information to appropriate medical responders with everything from advance directives, do not resuscitate orders, to important medical information. They will even contact your family if you desire.
• ICE your cell phone: Make sure your cell phone contains an In Case of Emergency number(s).

4. Manage Your Health
• Keep a health notebook: You can now do this on-line
• Maintain healthy habits by:
-       Reducing sugar & caffeine in your diet;
-       Limiting alcohol to a glass of wine daily if allowed with current medications;
-    Regular exercise as health permits (consider yoga, Tai Chi and Qigong); 
-       Getting sufficient sleep
•  Keep medical appointments
• Identify resources in your community that can help you get what you need. Use the Getting What You Need Checklist
• Develop and maintain good relationships with your health providers

Additional Information

5. Be aware of health fraud: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. People with chronic/life threatening conditions are often the target of fraud. The fact that serious illness causes great suffering, and can lead to death, has encouraged the marketing of hundreds of unproven treatments. Learn more about scams and health fraud. 

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