Patient Safety

The Foundation of a Quality Health Care Experience

At SSM Health, we believe that the safety of our patients, visitors, and staff is the cornerstone of delivering a quality health care experience. From constantly seeking new and better ways to prevent medical errors and hospital-acquired infections to implementing comprehensive back safety and fall prevention programs, our culture of safety is evident in everything we do.

Keeping Our Patients Safe

Our physicians, nurses, technologists, and pharmacists all play a role in preventing errors and laying the foundation for successful treatment. We also encourage our patients and their families to be active and involved participants in their health care, so together we can help ensure you receive the safest care possible. The following tips can help you engage with your health care team to keep you safe and help you have a positive experience.

Ask Questions

We encourage our patients and their advocates to be actively involved in their care. We believe that the more you know about your condition, the more successful your treatment will be. Don’t be afraid to ask staff to explain what they are doing and why. You should expect your SSM Health provider to be ready and willing to answer your questions.

Take Notes

Write down important information your doctor tells you about your condition and your treatment plan. Consider seeking a second opinion. The more information you have about the options available to you, the more confident you will be in the decisions your team makes about your care.

Keep an Up-to-Date History

Write down your health history. Be sure to include a list of any medications you are currently taking, including any prescription medications, over-the-counter treatments, and any dietary supplements, and let your team know about any allergies you may have, such as to medications, food, or latex. Share this health history with anyone who is providing you care.

Identify Yourself and Ask for Identification

Expect all health care workers to introduce themselves to you and to wear picture identification badges. Your healthcare team should ask you to identify yourself when going for tests and procedures or before giving you any medication. Make sure to tell your provider if you think he or she has you confused with someone else.

Verify Your Treatment

Verify that any medication or treatment is for you, especially if you don’t recognize it. Your team should also ask you to confirm where you are having a procedure and/or mark the surgical site.

Speak Up

Never hesitate to speak up if you have questions or concerns about your care. If something doesn’t seem right, tell your doctor or nurse right away.

SSM Health is committed to providing you with information that enables you to take an active role in obtaining the safest care possible. We strive continually to improve our best practices to prevent safety incidents and to respond quickly should one occur. You can be assured that your safety is our top priority at every location across our SSM Health ministries.