Patient-Centered Care

St. Francis supports and urges patients and their family members to be involved in their care. By participating in the Speak Up program, sponsored by The Joint Commission, patients can help make their care a positive experience. Research shows that patients who take part in decisions about their health care are more likely to have better outcomes.

As a patient at St. Francis, we invite you and your family to be active members of your care team. It’s important that you speak openly with health care professionals, take part in your treatment choices, and are well informed and involved in your care.

Speak up: Don’t hesitate to ask questions. If there’s something you don’t understand, ask us again. It’s important to us that you are aware of each step in your medical care.

Pay close attention: Don’t assume anything. Verify that all information on your armband is correct. Ask us if a medication looks unfamiliar. We want to make sure that you’re getting the right treatment and medications.

Educate yourself: Learn about your diagnosis and any tests you are undergoing. We encourage you to write down information or questions you may have. We will take all the time necessary to help you understand.

Assign an advocate: A trusted family member or friend makes the perfect advocate to listen to medical information and instruction and share it with you when the time is right. We want to work closely with you and your family in providing care.

Know your medications: It’s important for you to not only know what prescriptions you’re taking, but also why you take them. We want to make sure that all elements of your care plan work well together, and medication errors are the most common health care mistake.

Use a reliable hospital: Use a hospital, clinic, surgery center, or other health care organization that had been checked out. The Joint Commission visits hospitals to see if they meet the rigorous quality standards to be accredited.

Participate: As a patient of St. Francis, it’s important that you take an active role in your treatment. We want to hear what you have to say with all aspects of your care. You are at the center of your health care team.