Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/351029
into Turning ? ! As LIKE ANY OTHER role in life, being a patient can be approached passively or with an attitude of taking the driver's seat. Empowered patients aren't afraid to ask questions about their healthcare experiences. They speak up when they feel confused, doubtful, or overwhelmed. JUST ASK Equip yourself with the following key questions during routine medical appointments and hospital visits: What health issues should I be most concerned about? What condition do I have? What could happen if I don't treat it? What is the purpose of this test/procedure? What will happen if I don't have it done? What are the risks of this test/procedure/medication? What other treatments are out there? Should I create an advance directive? If so, what documents will I need? What is the meaning of this word you are using: ___________? I'm having trouble understanding this part: ___________. Can you explain it to me again? What is the next step I should take after I leave here? How do I schedule that appointment/test? KishHealth System's interactive web portal, MyKishHealth, empowers patients and their families by providing easy, secure access to personal health information. For details, visit mykishhealth.org. BECOMING AN EMPOWERED PATIENT STARTS WITH ASKING QUESTIONS. The Patient Care Model in Action The new KishHealth System patient care model calls for the entire care team to meet in a patient's room at a scheduled time each day of hospitalization. This gives patients the opportunity to ask questions about their treatment and allows providers to collaborate on a coordinated treatment plan. "KishHealth System aims to be a frontline resource to patients before, during, and after a hospital stay," says Todd Barrowclift, DO, senior director, Physician Operations. "Patients know they can count on us to care for them when they're sick, but we want to help them to stay well, too." Focused Change From her Kishwaukee Hospital inpatient bed, Kathleen Hunt chatted about the care she had been receiving during her four-day stay: "They are very thorough here and don't overlook anything. The nurses and aides are kind and helpful. I like their openness; they tell you exactly what they're doing. If they take my temperature, they tell me what it is. It didn't used to be like that in hospitals." According to Kathleen, the patient care model has made a clear difference: "Each day, my care team comes in to talk with me and discuss my case. The hospitalist, the pharmacist, the social worker, and my nurse were all here in my room this morning. It's really good how they work together here." ⁄ FAL L 1 4 3