It’s Safe to Ask

When we visit the doctor or another health professional, we expect to leave knowing what our health problem is, what we need to do about it, and why. But for the thousands of Manitobans, this is simply not the case. That’s why the Manitoba Institute for Patient Safety (MIPS) developed It’s Safe to Ask.

It’s Safe to Ask encourages patients and families to request the information they need in order to become active participants in their care. The initiative includes easy-to-read materials for patients, as well as information kits for healthcare providers and organizations.

It’s Safe to Ask will lead to stronger communication between patients and providers, more informed patients, increased awareness about the importance of communication, and will contribute to reduced healthcare errors and safer outcomes for patients. The initiative encourages patients and health care providers to discuss 3 key questions:

1. 1. What is my health problem?
   2. What do I need to do?
   3. Why do I need to do this?

Knowledge is critical to quality health and improved health outcomes. A well-informed patient asks questions, tries to understand, and ensures adequate response and action by themselves, their families and their health care practitioners.

In advance of the official province-wide launch (January 9, 2007), MIPS and its partners sent It’s Safe to Ask information and materials to 19,000 health care providers across the province.

It’s Safe to Ask is modeled on a successful initiative in the United States called Ask Me 3.
Related Files

• Background Information
• PowerPoint Presentation
• Summary