One of the best ways to help ensure you have a safe and positive hospital experience is by partnering with your health care provider. At Baptist, we have designed a program to help educate you about your care and what to expect from us. Through this initiative, we encourage you to take an active role in your health care program. By being involved, you have more control of your health outcomes and recovery. 

  The single biggest thing patients and their families can do to have a positive hospital experience is ask questions. If there's something you don't understand or if you're just curious, don't be embarrassed to ask about it. Your questions can help you while in the hospital, at your physician's office or at home. The following sections offer suggestions for you to follow before going to the hospital. By following these steps, you will be promoting your own safety.

• Review your medical history (conditions, previous surgeries, past illnesses) and be ready to share this information with your nurse or physician. 
• Carefully review with your doctor what will happen during your hospital visit. Again, ask questions about anything you don't understand. 
• Educate yourself about your condition, the test(s) you will undergo, etc. You can get written information from your doctor, reliable Web sites such as Baptist's www.baptistonline.org, support groups and the library. Learn as much as you can.

  Prepare an advanced medical directive — either a living will or a durable power of attorney for health care. These legal documents let your health care professionals and family know how you want to be cared for in case something happens and you can't decide for yourself. Discuss your decision with your physician and family members in advance so there aren't any surprises.

  Keep important medical paperwork up-to-date in your home so it's ready when/if you have to go to the hospital. This will help speed up and enhance your care. 

  Your at-home file should include:

• A completed, signed and notarized living will and durable power of attorney for healthcare decision making form
• A list of your current medications, including any over-the-counter drugs, herbal medicines and alternative products (include the dose, frequency and reason for taking each.)
• A list of all your allergies, including food, environmental and medication allergies
• A list of your physicians and their phone numbers
• A list of all pharmacies you use and their phone numbers

  Ask a trusted family member or friend to be your advocate, the Joint Commission recommends. Your advocate can assist you during stressful moments, remembering things you can't, making sure your wishes are respected, etc. It's a good idea to ask your advocate to stay with you in the hospital.

  The following steps will help put you at ease about your hospital stay:

• Ask if the hospital you plan to visit is accredited by Joint Commission. This indicates the extent to which that hospital has met established standards for safety and quality. All Baptist Memorial hospitals are Joint Commission accredited.
• Find out if the hospital you plan to visit has a patient safety and quality program and how long they have been implementing it. Find out what specific safety and quality initiatives the hospital focuses on and what successes they've had. 
• Be sure not to bring valuables, including jewelry, credit cards and money, with you to the hospital.

  Remember that you, your physician and the hospital staff have the same goal — improving your health and comfort. If for any reason you feel you aren't receiving the best care possible, talk to the nurse in charge or the hospital's patient relations representative. Know your rights. As a patient, you are entitled to safe and quality care, and Baptist is committed to that.