When an order or test result is verbally communicated, it is carefully documented and confirmed for accuracy. All abbreviations, acronyms, and symbols are standardized throughout the hospital for clarity. When a care team transfers a patient to another care team overseeing the next stage of treatment, a communication process occurs, and medications are confirmed between you and the care team. All medical record entries must be legible. Throughout this process you are encouraged to ask any questions and providers will resolve any concerns you may have.

Members of your care team utilize an electronic medical record (EMR) to document every detail of your care, including all medications and procedures. Electronic safety reminders and alerts are built into the EMR that detect and prevent issues that could impact patient safety, informing your provider before a problem arises.

Two distinct forms of identification are checked every time a health care team member interacts with a patient: full legal name and date of birth. All tests, treatments, and procedures are discussed with the patient to confirm correct patient, procedure, and site. Further safety precautions are conducted such as comparing diagnostic studies with patient ID bracelets and ensuring that all consent forms are completed accurately and legibly. Patients are asked to:

• Make sure all of the information on your ID bracelet is correct.
• Wear your patient ID bracelet at all times. If it happens to come off, ask for a new one from a team member immediately.
• Show your ID bracelet to all care team members who may come to help perform a procedure, surgery, or test, or to give medicine.
• Prior to procedures (such as a cardiac catheterization) or surgery the care team follows Universal Protocol. Universal Protocol are steps to assure the right patient receives the planned procedure at the intended surgical location. Your provider will meet with you before the procedure and confirm the planned procedure or surgery.  They will mark the site of the procedure and include you when the team is confirming your identification and procedure details.
• Ask questions if you have any concerns regarding medications, tests, or treatment.

All medications that are prescribed during the admission process are documented and reviewed. An accurate list of medications is shared across the continuum of care. Special care is taken with drugs that may look alike, or whose names may sound alike. High-alert medications have been standardized for safe administration and monitoring. All medications, containers, and solutions are clearly labeled – regardless of where they are in the hospital.

Upon discharge from the hospital, you will receive a full medication list and will be asked to help us ensure medication accuracy in the following ways:

• Make sure your doctor knows all the medication you are taking, including the medication dose and how often you take it.
• Show your ID bracelet to the care team member before taking a medication.
• Ask about what medication is being given, and its purpose.
• Ask if the medication may interfere with any other drugs you may be taking — including anything over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and any vitamins, minerals, supplements, or natural remedies.
• Carry a medication list and review it every time you work with a new care team member.
• Ask if you should resume any specific medications that were withheld during your stay.
• Ask if you should stop taking any medications that were used during your stay.

AtlantiCare complies with all World Health Organization Infection prevention and control (IPC) guidelines. These guidelines offer an evidence-based approach to preventing patients from being harmed by avoidable infections. IPC guidelines include hand-hygiene measures, prevention of surgical site infections, injection safety, and more. You can assist us in preventing the spread of infections in the following ways:

• Ask everyone in your care to wash their hands first. This includes physicians, nurses, technicians, and your friends and family!
• Tell your nurse right away if your gown or linens are soiled or if you feel you need a fresh gown or linens.
• Ask friends and family to avoid visiting you or anyone in the hospital if they do not feel well.
• Get recommended vaccinations! COVID, Flu, pneumonia, and other vaccines can help prevent illness particularly in young children, the elderly, and other high-risk patients.

Any risks for falls while at the hospital are constantly assessed and reassessed in order to prevent falls from occurring. Patients who are at higher risk for falls are given a fall reduction program, which is discussed thoroughly with the individual. Patients are asked to:

• Report any spills, obstacles, or other potential causes of falls to the nurse.
• Take care when you move from your bed or walk down hospital hallways, especially at night.
• Make sure you always have adequate light to see.
• Make sure you know the location of, and know how to use, the nurse "call" button. Feel free to ask for help getting to the bathroom before the need becomes urgent.
• Wear hospital-issued socks, slippers, or shoes, with rubber soles.
• Make sure the brakes are locked before moving into or out of a wheelchair.

Learn more about patient safety efforts by visiting these web sites:

• The Joint Commission: Patient Safety Fact Sheet | The Joint Commission
• National Quality Forum's Safe Practices for Better Healthcare: NQF: Safe Practices for Better Healthcare – 2010 Update (qualityforum.org)
• Institute for Healthcare Improvement's "100,000 Lives" Campaign: 100,000 Lives Campaign: Ten Years Later | Institute for Healthcare Improvement (ihi.org)

Patients and families are encouraged to share feedback about your care by telling your nurse, provider, managers of departments, completing a patient experience survey if contacted, or a Patient Experience Team member by telephone, 609-652-9933 or email Experience@atlanticare.org

We take your feedback very seriously and acknowledge positive feedback or resolve concerns as soon as possible, sometimes immediately and within 30 days for more complex concerns.