Be aware for safe care Published March 9, 2012 By Maj. Chris Nelson 341st Medical Group patient safety officer MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- The 341st Medical Group is working hard to promote health and safety when patients visit the clinic. A number of processes and programs are at work to promote the safety and well-being of patients: The "National Patient Safety Goals," the "Patient Safety Program," the "Ask Me 3" program and the "Patient Bill of Rights and Patient's Responsibilities." These programs all work together to build a foundation of safe, accurate and positive health care. The purpose of the "National Patient Safety Goals" is to improve patient safety. The goals focus on problems in health-care safety and how to solve them. The use of these goals helps the medical team to identify patients correctly, make sure their medications are right, help prevent infection and assess any other risk factors they may have. The "Patient Safety Program" is the operational risk management system of self-monitoring within the 341st MDG by being constantly vigilant and looking for things that could affect patient care. When something is found, it is documented so processes can be reviewed and improvements made to operations and quality of care. The primary goal is to identify occurrences before they reach the patient and to correct them. The "Ask Me 3" program is a series of three questions patients can ask and should be asking their provider every time they are seen. It is a program that will help facilitate communication between patient and provider. With clear communication and good understanding, patients will be able to better care for their health, and the health-care team will have a better understanding of the patient's personal needs. The three simple questions that should always be asked are: 1. What is my main problem? 2. What do I need to do? 3. Why is it important for me to do this? These three questions, while they seem simple, help ensure the patient and providers are on the "same sheet of music" in taking care of health issues. Identification of the main problem is the key to understanding patient care. Realizing some illnesses and injuries are treated differently than others is important and avoids misunderstanding. "What do I need to do" helps the patient take ownership of their health care. Realizing they are the only one that can take the medication, do the physical therapy or make dietary changes is the first step towards taking ownership. Letting the provider know how seriously to take treatment recommendations will promote good understanding and a clear pathway to recovery. Receiving information on how and why the course of treatment is important will allow patients to make the conscious decisions necessary to promote care. The "Patient Bill of Rights and Patient's Responsibilities" are posted throughout the 341st Medical Group. This guides patients in their role and what is expected of them during the course of their health care. Throughout the nation, medical facilities celebrated and highlighted patient safety during National Patient Safety Week March 4-10. The 341st MDG had an information table set up in the pharmacy lobby area where hand-outs and information on these four topics were available. These materials are readily available throughout the Medical Group any time. If unable to find them, ask a staff member. Take a minute and stop by. Let the staff know of any questions or concerns.