Speak Up Program

The Joint Commission proudly announces the release of the sixth episode in its animated Speak Up™ video series, "Speak Up: Reduce the Risk of Falling." The new video features characters Charlie, Marge and Harley as they confront the need to "speak up" and take steps to help avoid falling. "Speak Up: Reduce the Risk of Falling" points out that one out of every three adults, ages 65 and older, are injured from falls every year, but that anyone can fall and get injured. The video explains the importance of taking extra precautions to reduce the risk of falling by talking to your doctor if medication makes you feel lightheaded or confused, having your eyes examined to see if you need new glasses or contacts, speaking up when you need help getting up – especially while in the hospital, and exercising to improve strength and stability.

Produced by The Joint Commission, these entertaining 60-second videos are intended as public service announcements. The series airs on The Joint Commission's YouTube Channel, as well as other venues, and has received more than 18,000 views on YouTube alone.

The video provides viewers with easy to understand safety tips to help reduce their chances of falling. The previous videos in the series, the first of which debuted in March 2011, emphasize the importance of being comfortable speaking up about your health care; preventing infection; managing and taking medication safely; preparing for, and what to ask during, doctor's office appointments; and encouraging children to feel confident asking questions about their health.

The Joint Commission's award winning Speak Up program also features brochures and posters 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 don't understand, ask again. It's your body and you have a right to know.
• Pay attention to the care you get. Always make sure you're getting the right treatments and medicines by the right health care professionals. Don't 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 health care organization that has been carefully checked out. For example, The Joint Commission visits hospitals to see if they are meeting The Joint Commission's quality standards.
• Participate in all decisions about your treatment. You are the center of the health care team.

Since its launch in 2002, the Speak Up program has grown to include 18 campaign brochures and four posters, as well as Spanish language versions of all brochures.