Safe Spaces: Feeling Comfortable to Speak Up
Do you feel comfortable speaking up about your care? Asking questions can prevent mistakes.
Volume 15 • Issue 7
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After visiting a health care provider, have you ever left with unanswered questions? People may not speak up because they don’t feel comfortable enough to ask questions. Keep in mind that raising questions and expressing your concerns can help your health care team provide better and safer care.
In a report to Mederror.ca, a person described receiving the wrong medication during a hospital procedure. The person had been told about the harmful error at the time it occurred. During the follow-up visit, however, their questions and concerns about the error remained unanswered. The person did not feel comfortable speaking up, which left them feeling unheard and worried.
Mederror.ca shares the following tips to keep in mind when you're uncomfortable asking questions or you're not given time to speak up when receiving care:
- Use terms like I’m concerned, I’m uncomfortable, It would make me feel better if …, I don’t understand, or I’m curious.
- Explain why you are feeling this way. Or just say, I have a question. If possible, prepare your questions and/or concerns in advance.
- Bring a trusted family member or friend to your appointment. Ask them to speak up for you if needed.
Additional tips about how to speak up when receiving care are available in a previous newsletter.
Learn more about how health care organizations and providers are working to create safe spaces for their patients:
This newsletter was developed in collaboration with patients and families.
Learning from consumer reports is shared with health care providers through ISMP Canada publications.
