How to Engage in Your Healthcare

Everyone has a role to play in patient safety. MIPS believes an important role for patients & families is to engage in their healthcare, to be a member of their healthcare team. Their efforts help to reduce patient harm and improve patient safety. 

One of the best ways to help is to be involved. 

To participate in their care, patients & families need to know their rights & responsibilities. This article describes five rights that will help you play an active role in your healthcare. 

It’s your right to access your personal health information in your medical records. 

Manitoba’s Personal Health Information Act, also known as PHIA, guarantees this right. Access to this information is important because it helps you make informed decisions and be an active participant in your healthcare. Accurate information and good communication are important to your safety as a patient. To access your personal health information, you should contact the place where you receive healthcare. The staff there will point you in the right direction. If you have trouble accessing this information ask why or contact the Manitoba Ombudsman toll-free at 1 800 665-0531 or online at ombudsman.mb.ca. 

It’s your right to get help from a patient advocate.
Navigating the healthcare system can be overwhelming. That’s why, for your added safety, you can have an advocate. Your advocate may be a trusted friend or a family member who can help you with things like asking questions, attending appointments, and tracking medications. My Patient Advocate Agreement is a great resource to help you get started. Call MIPS at the number below or go to safetoask.ca. 

It’s your right to decide the type of care you do want and do not want to receive.
This decision is important and it can be a difficult one to make. That’s why you need good, complete information from your healthcare provider. Your patient advocate can help you communicate if you are too tired, unwell or afraid to do so. Also, it’s important to prepare for a time when you are unable to make decisions or speak for yourself. To do this, write down your wishes on a Healthcare Directive, also known as a Living Will. This ensures you will only receive the care you want. Call your local regional health authority for this form.

It’s your right to voice your concerns.
There is no need to keep your concerns to yourself. You and your healthcare providers will have a better experience when you share your views about your healthcare situation. Whether it’s you or your patient advocate, it’s important to speak up. You always have a voice when it comes to your healthcare. 

You have the right to report a Critical Incident. 
A Critical Incident is when you’re seriously harmed from healthcare. Healthcare providers are required to tell you as soon as possible if a critical incident happens while you receive healthcare. However, if you believe a critical incident has occurred, report it immediately to your healthcare provider. You can find out more about the Process When Harm Happens at safetoask.ca.

Remember, knowing your patient rights can help you be a more active and confident participant in your healthcare. For information about your patient rights and other patient safety topics, please visit safetoask.ca and browse through the S.A.F.E. Toolkit. You may also call 204-927-6477 or 1-866-927-6477.  

Learn to be safe!


This article was originally part part of a series published in the Senior Scope in 2018, with articles on patient safety based on the S.A.F.E. Toolkit. The series was written by Laurie Thompson, who is executive director of the Manitoba Institute for Patient Safety.