When it comes to talking to patients about mental healthcare, clinicians don't have to go it alone. The Joint Commission launched a patient safety campaign May 17, a new part of its "Speak Up" program, to help healthcare professionals teach patients to advocate for themselves.
The program, Speak Up For Your Mental Health, offers several resources healthcare providers can use to communicate with patients and their families about the importance of tending to mental healthcare challenges.
A program recommendation guide is available to aid clinicians on how to teach their patients to advocate for themselves regarding paying attention and asking questions, educating themselves, and participating in decisions about their own care. It also includes information on how to teach patients to ask and allow family members and friends to help them.
In addition to the guide, the campaign offers healthcare facilities an infographic poster and video that can be used to encourage patient awareness. The educational resources for Speak Up For Mental Health are available on the commission's website here in both English and Spanish.
"Mental health is just as important as someone's physical health," according to The Joint Commission. "Depression and other mental health issues are common, and like physical illnesses they need to be treated. Mental health issues also can affect a person’s thinking, feelings, mood, how they relate to others, and even how they function throughout the day. However, depression is a serious condition — and it is helpful to know the signs and symptoms."
The Joint Commission launched its Speak Up program in 2002. It has been used in more than 70 countries around the world to encourage self-advocacy in patients.