Patients and families are active members of our health care team
At Tufts Medical Center, we are firmly committed to our mission of keeping patients and their families at the center of everything we do. In fact, we believe that healthcare is most beneficial when it is delivered through a Patient–Family-Centered Care Model that views the patient and family as integral members of the care team. With this mind, we are proud to adhere to the core concepts of this model:
- Dignity and Respect. Tufts Medical Center’s practitioners listen to and honor patient and family perspectives and choices. We incorporate your knowledge, values, beliefs and cultural background into the planning and delivery of your care.
- Information Sharing. We communicate and share complete and unbiased information with you in ways that are affirming and useful. You will receive timely, complete and accurate information in order to effectively participate in care and decision-making.
- Participation. We encourage and support you or your family member to participate in care and decision-making at the level you choose.
- Collaboration. At Tufts Medical Center, we collaborate with patients and families in policy and program development, implementation, and evaluation; in healthcare facility design; and in professional education, as well as in the delivery of care.
What patients can do
At Tufts Medical Center, you have a variety of opportunities to be an active partner in your own or your family member’s care:
- Seek information about illnesses or conditions that affect you or your loved one.
- Make sure all nurses and doctors confirm yours or your family member’s identity by checking wristbands and requesting names before he or she administers any medication or treatment.
- Share yours or your family member’s health history and up-to-date information about his or her care with the care team.
- Make sure you understand the care and treatment you or your family member will be receiving.
- Pay attention to the care your family member is receiving. Tell your nurse or doctor if something doesn’t seem quite right.
- Make a list of questions for yours or your family member’s providers so you’ll be less likely to forget.
- Make sure you get the results of any test or procedure you or your family member undergoes.
- Speak up if you have questions or concerns about yours or your family member’s care.