ACTT for Safety

YOUR HEALTH & YOUR LIFE   

Black women are dying 3 times more often than white women during and after pregnancy. Infant mortality is twice as high. The breast cancer death rate is higher for Black women even though they get about the same number of mammograms as white women. Black men are screened and treated for prostate cancer less often than whites and die more often. In almost all areas of medical care outcomes are worse for African Americans. Rich or poor, educated or not, insured and uninsured – racial discrimination in healthcare affects the entire community. 

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WHY?  

Since the time of slavery to the present day, racial bias and stereotypes persist in the minds of most Americans.  Medical professionals are not immune to the effects of subconscious bias on their thinking and behavior even if they are not consciously racist. For decades medical research has shown how the health of African Americans continues to be affected by racial discrimination.  Black patients and their families must assert their rights to respectful person-centered care and be active partners with providers of care.  

PATIENT’S RIGHTS  

Everyone has the right to quality healthcare that is free from discrimination. We are all entitled to courtesy and respect, to privacy, to be listened to, to ask questions and to have our questions answered so that we understand all the information that we need to make decisions about our care and treatment. Patients also have the right to have a support person, or patient advocate, of their choice to help with navigating the healthcare system and preventing errors in their care. In addition, there are laws governing access to medical records, and most hospitals post a Patient’s Bill of Rights.   

​WHAT CAN THE PATIENT & FAMILY DO?  

• With the Doctor or Nurse – talk Person to Person!  

• Start off with a friendly greeting, making eye contact, to be sure you connect on a person-to-person level from the beginning.  

• Come to the visit prepared to share your concerns and information about your medical conditions – past and present – including any operations, allergies, medications and supplements.  Make a list and bring it with you. And have a trusted support person, on speaker or in person. See Patient Advocate  

• Answer questions as honestly and completely as you can – If the provider does not have accurate information the incorrect problem may be diagnosed and the wrong treatment or testing may be recommended.  

• Learn about your condition. Ask your medical provider to give written reading material. If you use the internet, make sure it’s a reliable site. Don’t just Google for information. 

• If there is a health problem, and tests or treatments are discussed, make sure you understand the plan. Let the provider know you want to do “Teach Back.” Then tell them what you heard them say to make sure you got it right. You might not agree or understand their recommendations. They may need to explain more than once.  

• Informed Consent is the conversation patients have with the doctor who recommends a procedure, operation, treatment or test. The doctor is legally obligated to discuss what is involved in agreeing to their recommendation. They must describe what happens and what are the risks and benefits, pros and cons, of what they recommend. It’s everyone’s right to learn about alternative choices – including doing nothing. Often a second opinion is necessary to learn about alternative choices.  

• Informed Decision Making is essential to get the care you need, prefer and value, and to avoid unwanted or unnecessary  treatments. 

• If there are many interruptions, very little eye contact, rushing through the visit, reluctance to answer questions, or any other signs of disrespect or lack of concern for your comfort and well-being – Speak up. Tell your provider about your concern respectfully. For example: “Doc, you must be very busy today – Do you have time to help me so I can get better?” See Be Heard tips on this website 

• If communication with members of your healthcare team is not clear or caring, and speaking up about it does not resolve the problem, then it is important for your health, and may even be lifesaving, to find another provider. Ask friends and family who they see, and what are the good qualities about their provider and their office or clinic or hospital. 

Finally, Remember to ACTT – See How to ACTT  ​ 

ACTT for Safe Healthcare 

Ask Questions until you understand the answers 

Claim Your Space – Physical and Mental 

Trust Your Body  

Tell Your Story