Swedish Medical Center supports the Joint Commission's "Know Your Rights" program, which is a part of its award winning "Speak Up" program that urges patients to take an active role in their health care. By supporting this program, Swedish encourages patients at all times to do the following:
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Speak up if you have questions or concerns, and if you don't understand, ask again. It's your body and you have a right to know.
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Pay attention to the care you are receiving. Make sure you're getting the right treatments and medications by the right health care professionals. Don't assume anything.
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Educate yourself about your diagnosis, the medical tests you are undergoing and your treatment plan.
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Ask a trusted family member or friend to be your advocate.
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Know what medications you take and why you take them. Medication errors are the most common health care concerns.
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Use a hospital, clinic, surgery center or other type of health care organization that has undergone a rigorous onsite evaluation against established state-of-the-art quality and safety standards, such as that provided by the Joint Commission.
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Participate in all decisions about your treatment. You are the center of the health care team.