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• Special identification is used to
alert the staff about a patient’s
special needs, allergies to
medications or other treatment
products to prevent harmful
reactions.
• To prevent doctors from operating
on the wrong part of the body,
patients are asked to identify the
site of surgery, along with the site
being marked.
• Checking the identification
bracelet to reliably identify the
individual as the person for whom
the care, treatment, or service
is intended and to match the
care, treatment, or service to the
individual. Using two identifiers
to properly identify a patient
when a caregiver is administering
medicine and blood, or drawing
blood samples.
6 Steps to Safer Healthcare
1. Speak up if you have questions or concerns
related to care, treatment, services, and
patient safety issues by notifying your nurse
or physician.
2. Keep a list of all the medicines you take (and
keep it up to date).
3. Make sure you get the results of any test or
procedure.
4. Talk with your doctor and healthcare team
about your options if you need hospital care.
5. Make sure you understand what will happen if
you need surgery.
6. Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare
providers come in contact with bacteria and
viruses so before they treat you, ask them if
they have washed their hands.