A hospital visit can involve a lot of information at once: new medications, test results, procedures, instructions, and follow-up appointments. Patient safety means making sure those pieces of care work together and that patients and their families have a clear understanding of what is happening throughout the process.
World Patient Safety Day is observed every year on September 17. For 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) is focusing on “Safe care for noncommunicable diseases.” Noncommunicable diseases, including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases, often require care over many years and involve multiple healthcare visits. That ongoing care can create more opportunities for problems to occur if information, medications, or treatment plans are not properly coordinated.
Know Your Medical History
Patients play an important role in their own safety. That can be as simple as making sure your healthcare team knows about the medications you take, including over-the-counter medicines and supplements, as well as allergies or previous reactions to medications.
It is also appropriate to ask questions when something is unclear. Before leaving an appointment, patients should understand what medications they are taking, what they are being treated for, what follow-up care is needed, and what symptoms may require additional medical attention.
Medication Safety
Medication errors are one area where communication can make a difference, particularly for people managing several health conditions. Taking multiple medications can make it difficult to remember which medicine to take, when to take it, or whether two medications may interact.
Keep an updated list of your medications and bring it to medical appointments when possible. If a medication is added, stopped, or changed, make sure you understand the reason for the change and how to take the new medication. If you are unsure about a prescription or notice something that does not seem right, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist before taking it.
The Importance of Staying Connected
For people living with chronic conditions, healthcare may involve several providers and different settings over time. A patient may see a primary care provider, a specialist, a pharmacist, and other members of a healthcare team. Keeping those providers informed about changes in your health and treatment can help reduce gaps in care.
Safe care therefore goes beyond what happens during a single appointment; it also involves communication and coordination as patients move between providers and settings.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
Patients should feel comfortable speaking up when they have a question or concern. If you do not understand why a test is being ordered, how to take a medication, or what to expect after a procedure, ask your healthcare team to explain it.
Family members and caregivers can also be part of this process, particularly when a patient needs help remembering instructions or managing care at home. Sharing concerns, asking questions, and making sure everyone understands the care plan can help create another layer
University Medical Center of El Paso is committed to providing safe, high-quality care for patients throughout El Paso, with patients and families remaining an important part of the healthcare team. Knowing your medications, understanding your care plan, asking questions, and speaking up when something does not seem right are simple steps that can help make healthcare safer.
It is important to monitor your health regularly to prevent, detect, and manage potential risks. At UMC, our health professionals are here to support your overall well-being. Call (915) 521-7979 today to schedule an appointment or visit umcelpaso.org to learn more.
