Become An Active Member of Your Health Team

The patient and their family are important members of the healthcare team. At Tufts Medical Center, patients and their families are encouraged to speak up and ask their physicians, nurses, and other members of the team questions that will assist them with clearly understanding their treatment and plan of care. Patients and their families are also expected to provide pertinent information that will assist clinicians with providing the safest and highest quality care possible

What we are doing to improve

As a healthcare institution, Tufts Medical Center is steadfast in its commitment to our mission of keeping our patients and their families at the center of everything we do. This is manifested by a focus on meeting the unique needs of each patient and family. We believe that care and services are most beneficial and satisfying when they are delivered using a Patient-Family Centered Care Model. The core concepts of patient- and family-centered care are:

• Dignity and Respect. Health care practitioners listen to and honor patient and family perspectives and choices. Patient and family knowledge, values, beliefs and cultural backgrounds are incorporated into the planning and delivery of care.
  
  
• Information Sharing. Health care practitioners communicate and share complete and unbiased information with patients and families in ways that are affirming and useful. Patients and families receive timely, complete, and accurate information in order to effectively participate in care and decision-making.
  
  
• Participation. Patients and families are encouraged and supported in participating in care and decision-making at the level they choose
  
  
• Collaboration. Patients and families are also included on an institution-wide basis. Health care leaders collaborate with patients and families in policy and program development, implementation, and evaluation; in health care facility design; and in professional education, as well as in the delivery of care.

What you can do to help 

• Speak up if you have questions or concerns about your care.
  
  
• Seek information about illnesses or conditions that affect you.
  
  
• Make sure your nurse or doctor confirms your identity, that is, checks your wristband or asks your name before he or she administers any medication or treatment.
  
  
• Share your health history and up-to-date information about your care with your care team.
  
  
• Make sure you understand the care and treatment you will be receiving. 
  
  
• Pay attention to the care you are receiving. Tell your nurse or doctor if something doesn’t seem quite right.
  
  
• Make a list of questions for your care providers so you’ll be less likely to forget.
  
  
• Make sure you get the results of any test or procedure.