Joint Commission Releases Second Video in the "Speak Up" Series

The Joint Commission announces the release of its second animated Speak Up video, "Speak Up: Infection Control," which encourages patients to speak up and become active participants in their healthcare. The first video was released last month, and points out that patients should be comfortable speaking up about their healthcare, whether in a doctors office or at the hospital.

Produced by The Joint Commission, these entertaining 60-second videos are intended as public service announcements. They air on the Joint Commissions YouTube Channel, as well as other venues. The second video features two new characters, Billy and Helen, along with some of the original cast as they encounter everyday situations where they have to "speak up." The messages of this video include washing your hands, staying home when you are sick and getting a flu shot. The video points out that you should be comfortable speaking up about infection control because you, and everyone around you, can benefit.

The Joint Commissions award winning Speak Up program features brochures, posters and buttons on a variety of patient safety topics. The national program urges patients to take a role in preventing health care errors by becoming active, involved and informed participants on the health care team. The basic framework of the Speak Up campaign encourages patients to:

- Speak up if you have questions or concerns. If you still dont understand, ask again. Its your body and you have a right to know.

- Pay attention to the care you get. Always make sure youre getting the right treatments and medicines by the right health care professionals. Dont assume anything.

- Educate yourself about your illness. Learn about the medical tests you get, and your treatment plan.

- Ask a trusted family member or friend to be your advocate (advisor or supporter).

- Know what medicines you take and why you take them. Medicine errors are the most common health care mistakes.

- Use a hospital, clinic, surgery center, or other type of healthcare organization that has been carefully checked out. For example, the Joint Commission visits hospitals to see if they are meeting the Joint Commissions quality standards.

- Participate in all decisions about your treatment. You are the center of the healthcare team.

Since its launch in 2002, the Speak Up program has grown to include 17 campaign brochures and three posters, as well as Spanish language versions of all brochures.

Free downloadable files of all Speak Up brochures and posters (including Spanish language versions of the brochures) are available on the Joint Commission website at: http://www.jointcommission.org/speakup.aspx. Speak Up brochures and posters also are available for purchase through Joint Commission Resources at (877) 223-6866 or online at www.jcrinc.com.