4 Client Advocacy and Patient Safety Free Online FlashCards

What is client advocacy?

Client advocacy helps protect a person’s safety, dignity, rights, and access to appropriate care.

What is one limit of an advocate’s role?

An advocate supports the client’s understanding and choices; they do not make decisions for a client who can decide for themselves.

What does shared decision-making combine?

Shared decision-making combines clinical evidence and the care team’s expertise with the client’s values, goals, and circumstances.

How should a safety concern be raised?

Describe what you observed, why it may be unsafe, and what action or clarification is needed—without blame.

What are the steps in an assertive statement?

State the concern, explain the safety problem, suggest an action, and confirm agreement.

What phrases make up the CUS tool?

CUS means saying, “I am concerned,” “I am uncomfortable,” and, if needed, “This is a safety issue.”

What should happen when a safety concern is not acknowledged?

Restate the concern clearly. If it remains unresolved, use the organization’s escalation or chain-of-command process.

What should you do if a safety risk presents immediate danger?

For immediate danger, act according to emergency procedures and your role.

How should events and near misses be addressed?

Report events and near misses through the appropriate process and document objective facts according to policy. Documentation does not replace urgent communication.

How can teach-back check a client’s understanding?

Use plain language and ask the client to explain the information in their own words, such as how they will take a medication.

How should care barriers be addressed?

With the client’s permission, coordinate with appropriate team members or services, then follow up to see whether the connection worked.

When should qualified language assistance be arranged?

Arrange qualified language assistance when needed for meaningful communication; conversational English may not be enough for complex health information.