Baptist Memorial Hospital prides itself in meeting health care needs and improving health outcomes. Baptist's commitment to patient satisfaction and dedication to placing service first are a reflection of the quality patient care we offer.

  One of our initiatives for improving your health is "Baptist: Your Partner to Better Health," a program designed to educate you about what to expect from us during your visit. The philosophy of this program revolves around education and communication to achieve better results. The key to the success is understanding that education and communication are two-way processes.

  As a patient at Baptist, you are an integral part of your own health care team. Your participation in your care and your diligence in following your own specific health care program as prescribed by your health care providers plays a big part in your health outcomes. At Baptist, we like to work as partners with our patients for the best results for you.

  Your care will be enhanced if you provide accurate and complete information to your health care providers about your current condition, past illnesses, hospitalizations, medications and other matters relating to your health. You should report any problems you see and any unexpected changes in your condition. In addition, please ask questions when you don't understand something about your care or what you're expected to do.

  Some key components to this partnership are as follows:
Medications

Patient Identification -- Your ID band will be repeatedly checked; you may be asked to state your name when services are provided. This method of identification assists us in making you aware of your treatments, helps ensure you're receiving the appropriate medication and helps build effective communication with those caring for you. Please feel free to offer your arm so your health care provider can verify your identification.

Allergy Status -- Before taking any medications in the hospital, inform your nurse or any health care provider of any known allergies. You should expect various health care providers to inquire about your allergy status.

  Remember allergies are not limited to medications only; some people are allergic to latex, adhesive tape, dyes or certain foods, such as nuts or shellfish.

Taking Your Own Medications — It is important to tell your health care provider about any medications you've been taking prior to admission. Do not continue to take your own medication unless your provider instructs you to do so, and inform your provider of any problems you have encountered in the past with certain medications.

  When referring to your own medications, you should include herbal products (Melatonin, Ginkgo, St. John's Wort, etc.), over-the-counter products and vitamins.

Food-Drug Interactions -- Some common foods interact with certain medications. When your health care providers are planning your departure from the hospital, they will alert you to any interactions to help you take your prescribed medications safely.
Questions

Patients' and Family Members' Role

  To actively partner for your better health, please ask your health care provider the following questions while in the hospital.

1. What are the names of the medications I am taking?
2. Why am I taking a particular medication?
3. What times will I be receiving a particular medication?
4. Can I see what my medications look like?
5. May I have a summary list of my discharge medications?

• Get your prescriptions filled at the same pharmacy. Your pharmacist will get to know you and will be able to keep track of all your medicines and make sure no problems occur with a new medicine and medicines you already take.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist all the medicines you take, including things you buy "over-the-counter" such as aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, antacids, vitamins, or herbal products (such as ginkgo, ginseng and saw palmetto).
• Make sure you know how to take your medicine; for example, are you to chew a tablet or swallow it whole, take with or without food, etc.
• Measure your liquid medicines with an accurate dosing spoon, not a regular kitchen spoon, to make sure you're getting the correct amount.
• Take your medications at the same time each day so you are more likely to remember to take them. One good idea is to take them at the same time as something else you do every day, such as eating meals or brushing your teeth.
• Check with your pharmacist on how to store your medicines; some need to be stored at room temperature in a dry place while others need to be kept in the refrigerator.
• If you realize you forgot to take your medication, you should take it when you remember if it has not been more than four to six hours since you forgot it. If it is almost time for your next dose, just take your next dose. Do not double up on medications. If you have any questions about missed doses, call and ask your doctor or pharmacist.

  This information is not all-inclusive. If you have any questions, please ask a health care provider. 1-800-4-BAPTIST.