Self and Caregiver Advocacy

At Baptist Health, We Need You Involved in Your Healthcare

At Baptist Health, we believe in compassionate, patient-centered care. So when it comes to patient safety, your voice plays a key role on your treatment team. As a patient, you have the right to be fully informed about your treatment, including options, potential benefits, and risks. For your medical care to be as effective as possible, we encourage you to engage with the process, ask questions, and provide feedback throughout your treatment.

Family and Friends Have a Role to Play

Part of being your own advocate is appointing a decision maker, usually a friend or family member, to interact with medical personnel in those situations where you are unable to do so.

In addition to providing emotional support during your treatment, designated decision-makers can also ask important questions and request services on your behalf. In the event you are incapacitated, designated decision makers can make your choices known. Be sure to discuss these choices with your designated decision maker, and take the required legal steps to provide him or her with the appropriate documentation to become your healthcare surrogate.

Be Your Own Advocate

Be alert. Pay attention to who is treating you, at what times of the day, and the types of care being given. Your providers should identify themselves, and confirm your identity as well.
Educate yourself. Learn what you can about your medical condition and accepted courses of treatment. Be sure to read the medical forms and other information that we provide you. You also have the option of taking Baptist-sponsored patient-education classes. Be informed so you can make the best decisions possible regarding your care.
Speak up. Every patient has concerns about his or her situation. If there is something you’d like to know, ask us – we will answer your questions and we will take your opinions and decisions seriously.
Keep us informed. Informed decisions are the best decisions. That’s why you should offer complete information to doctors and nurses with regard to current prescriptions, allergic conditions, and the type and severity of any symptoms you’re experiencing.
Healthy at home. Healthcare doesn’t stop at the hospital door. Make sure you understand your discharge plan and follow-up care when you leave a Baptist Health facility.
How are we doing? We want your feedback! You are encouraged to contact shift managers or the Patient Relations Director with any pressing issues during your stay, and to complete and return any post-treatment survey we send you.