Studies have shown that a surprisingly large proportion of hospitalized patients are not aware of their diagnoses or treatment plan and that their preferences are often not taken into account in advanced care planning. This failure to provide patient-centered care indicates a need for increased patient engagement in safety and quality efforts. This toolkit published by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality is designed to help hospitals develop partnerships with patients around improving safety. Developed with input from clinicians and patients, the guide emphasizes four strategies—working with patients as advisors, improving bedside communication, integrating patients and families into shift changes, and using patient input to improve the discharge process. An AHRQ WebM&M perspective by Dr. Saul Weingart discusses the practical challenges of engaging patients in improvement efforts.

This column offers advice for consumers on what personal health and medical information to prepare before going to the emergency department.

This toolkit includes comprehensive information for patients and families to facilitate safe transitions from hospital to follow-up care.

This AHRQ-funded toolkit outlines how one Midwestern hospital system successfully implemented a patient advisory council. A companion toolkit illustrates how the council worked with the hospital to develop and implement a medication list initiative.

This form can help patients document their prescriptions and other health information prior to visits with health care providers.