For Patients & Families
An informed family can help reduce the risk of preventable harm — such as infections and medication errors — when at the hospital. You are a critical part of the caregiving team. We want you to take the following actions when visiting our hospitals to help keep your child safe.
Be an advocate for your child.
Always ask questions. Raise concerns. Speak up.
Wash your hands and your child’s hands, and make sure your caretakers wash their hands too.
Keep the skin around the dressing of an intravenous catheter or a wound clean and dry. Tell your caregiver if it’s not.
Know your child’s medications, and make sure your caretakers double check that the medication is for your child.
Be prepared when going home by knowing your child’s medications, treatments, and follow-up visits. Call back to ask questions.
Resources:
Check out our list of tips about how patient families can be part of the safety team when visiting a hospital:
Learn more about the role of patients and families in patient safety by visiting the Institute for Healthcare Improvement online resource center.