FEBRUARY:
Patient Engagement Toolkit
The AFMS is dedicated to the health and well-being of the entire Air Force. One of the best ways that individuals can ensure their own health is by engaging and creating relationships with their healthcare providers. Patients that actively engage with their doctors and nurses are usually more informed about any conditions they have and how to appropriately treat those conditions. This leads to these patients having better recovery outcomes. Step up, speak out, and ask questions.
What do you need to know to effectively raise awareness about patient engagement?
Patients and their families are essential partners in ensuring the quality and safety of healthcare.
- Potential health care confusion
- Not understanding terms such as safety and engagement
- Not knowing the definition of medical terminology
- Fear of annoying or angering healthcare providers
- Avoiding these issues
- Take a family member or friend to appointments to help you remember important details
- Take notes
- Conduct some research; there are many great resources online that can help you learn terminology, definitions, and potential treatment options
- Do not be afraid to ask questions