An independent, not-for-profit organization, The Joint Commission is the nation’s oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care.

Speak up at the doctor's office!

They’ve recently added a fifth video to their ongoing animated Speak Up™ video series- encouraging young patients to become active participants in their health care.

The new video, titled “Speak Up: Kid Power!” encourages children to feel confident speaking up and asking questions when visiting a physician or other health care provider.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6aMvHKcgSxY]

The messages in this new video attempts to explain that kids should not hesitate to ask questions about their health care if they have trouble understanding something.

The Joint Commission urges kids, and people of all ages to review the following guidelines so that they can participate fully in their own care- and to minimize the chance for error or miscommunication.

• Speak up if you have questions or concerns. If you still don’t understand, ask again. It’s your body and you have a right to know.
• Pay attention to the care you get. Always make sure you’re getting the right treatments and medicines by the right health care professionals. Don’t assume anything.
• Educate yourself about your illness. Learn about the medical tests you get, and your treatment plan.
• Ask a trusted family member or friend to be your advocate (advisor or supporter).
• Know what medicines you take and why you take them. Medicine errors are the most common health care mistakes.
• Use a hospital, clinic, surgery center, or other type of health care organization that has been carefully checked out. For example, The Joint Commission visits hospitals to see if they are meeting The Joint Commission’s quality standards.
• Participate in all decisions about your treatment. You are the center of the health care team.

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