Patient Charter: What is ‘Quality of Care’?

1. Access to Care

The first thing I wish for myself is access to good care whenever I need it.

2. Restore- maintain- or improve Quality of Life

This means:

• It is determined quickly and adequately what is going on so that I do not have to live in uncertainty for an unnecessarily long time.
• There is good and honest consultation with me about what the options are and how WE are going to address my problem together.
• I know what I can do myself and what will happen to help me.
• When my behavior does not support my needed care, why that is will be examined and I will be addressed as appropriate.
• All necessary actions are taken one after the other in a smooth process.
• Nothing will happen to me that will make me worse than I already am. So:
  • Everyone knows who I am (so I will not be confused)
  • Everyone knows where left and right are. (so I will not be mixed up)
  • Even when I have to lie down for a long time I remain pressure ulcer free
  • I get the right medication in the right dose at the right time and never in the wrong combinations
  • I can enjoy a good (night) rest
  • I will not fall
  • I am well nourished
  • I am provided with optimal pain relief when needed
  • Wounds made in the care facility will not be infected

3. Trust

I can blindly trust:

• that the healthcare professionals not only know their job, but also that the care processes are solid enough that I don’t have to fear mistakes. (After all, I don’t have to be afraid when I fly either)
• that the care I receive is the right and the best; should there be a better place for me I am offered the choice.
• under your supervision, nothing will happen that is not in my interest.
• that wherever something would go wrong:
  • You will make full disclosure.
  • You will limit and repair the damage as quickly as possible.
  • You will perform a root-cause analysis, and will take measures to ensure that this failure never occurs again.