Speak Up
Speak Up
If you have questions or concerns, you have the right to ask and get a response from your doctor or nurse that makes sense to you. To help, share your answers to these questions with hospital staff.
- What language would you prefer to speak?
- Do you need glasses, hearing aids or other devices to help with talking to hospital staff?
- Do you prefer to hear, see or read health information?
- Do you have any cultural, ethnic or religious-based special needs?
- Who will be your support person who talks with hospital staff about your health care wishes?
And remember, take charge of your communication:
Ask About Jargon: If you hear a medical term you don’t understand, ask what it means.
Teach Back: After you get instructions or an explanation, repeat back what you thought you heard so you can double-check that you understood.
Take Notes: Write down any key facts your doctor tells you so you won’t forget.