MUNDELEIN, Ill., Feb. 5, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Research shows that patients who take part in decisions about their health care and are well informed about their medical condition are more likely to have better outcomes. Medline University, the largest, free online resource with more than 250 courses for continuing education credit, is expanding its patient and family education by hosting The Joint Commission's award-winning Speak Up™ patient advocacy video series. The animated shorts, available in English and Spanish, focus on different ways patients can take an active and informed role to reduce medical errors and improve patient care.
"Dealing with illness or hospitalization can be confusing and we want patients and families to know they have a voice in their care," said Ana McKee, M.D., executive vice president and chief medical officer, The Joint Commission. "Whether it's a way to talk about pain, how to take medication correctly or the importance of jotting down and sharing questions with their doctor, the topics covered in these videos are important reminders to help keep patients safe."
Last July, Medline University unveiled a new Patient Education section designed to help answer frequently asked questions related to common health issues, hospital visits and nutrition. Visitors can now access the nine Speak Up series videos through this section.
"To achieve better outcomes, clinicians and patients need to see each other as partners and work together as a team," said Martie Moore, R.N., MAOM, CPHQ, chief nursing officer, Medline. "We are committed to improving access to education and encourage healthcare providers to share this valuable information with patients and families."
About Medline
As the nation's largest privately held manufacturer and distributor of health care products, Medline manufactures and distributes more than 350,000 products to hospitals, extended care facilities, surgery centers, physician offices, home care agencies and providers, and retailers. Named one of the country's "Best and Brightest Companies to Work For," Medline is headquartered in Mundelein, Ill. and has more than 1,100 dedicated sales representatives to support its broad product line and cost management services. For more information on Medline, go to www.medline.com or http://mkt.medline.com/clinical-blog/category...-channels/ to connect with Medline on a variety of social media channels.
About The Joint Commission
Founded in 1951, The Joint Commission seeks to continuously improve health care for the public, in collaboration with other stakeholders, by evaluating health care organizations and inspiring them to excel in providing safe and effective care of the highest quality and value. The Joint Commission evaluates and accredits more than 20,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States, including more than 10,300 hospitals and home care organizations, and more than 6,500 other health care organizations that provide nursing and rehabilitation center care, behavioral health care, laboratory and ambulatory care services. The Joint Commission currently certifies more than 2,000 disease-specific care programs, focused on the care of patients with chronic illnesses such as stroke, joint replacement, stroke rehabilitation, heart failure and many others. The Joint Commission also provides health care staffing services certification for more than 750 staffing offices. An independent, not-for-profit organization, The Joint Commission is the nation's oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care. Learn more about The Joint Commission at www.jointcommission.org .
Vivika Panagiotakakos, (847) 643-3311
