How to file a complaint: Responsibilities
If these steps don't end in an answer you can feel good about, you have some other options, too. Keep in mind, though, that some of these ideas can create bad feelings between you and your clinic, or get you labeled as a "problem" patient who may have trouble finding a place to get care. Choose your battles wisely. Make sure they're worth the cost.
Here are some other steps you can take if your complaint is about a clinical safety issue (not a personal complaint about a staff member):
You have no doubt seen in your life that how you ask for something can be just as important as what you ask for. Your job is to try to be part of the solution, not part of the problem. Be polite. Stay calm. Work with your team to solve problems that you run into. In most cases, they want to help you to feel as well as you can.
How One Patient Handled a Problem...
"I won't go anywhere after a dialysis treatment until I'm sure I'm not going to bleed some more, but I'm willing to have my chair moved and wait. However, I have had times where they did seem to want to rush me out of the chair. I use a wheelchair and have to use my arms to move, and I can't do that if I'm still bleeding. I simply say, 'I'm not ready yet.'
"If I have a problem, first I try talking to the staff member directly. If that doesn't work, I go to the director of nursing. Since I'm deaf, I usually write a friendly note, stick to the facts, and say what I expect—that also gives you documentation. I've never had to go further than that." –Robin, on dialysis since 1997
