PREVENTING MEDICAL ERRORS

Government agencies, purchasers of group healthcare, and hospitals are working together to make the U.S. healthcare system safer for patients and the public. This following tells what you can do.

1. The single most important way you can help to prevent errors is to be an active member of your healthcare team. That means taking part in every decision about your healthcare. Research shows that patients who are more involved with their care tend to get better results. Some specific tips based on the latest scientific evidence about what works best follow.
2. Make sure that all of your doctors know about every medicine you are taking. This includes prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines, and dietary supplements such as vitamins and herbs.
3. Make sure your doctor knows about any allergies and adverse reactions you have had to medicines. This can help you avoid getting a medicine that can harm you.
4. Ask for information about your medicines in terms you can understand-both when your medicines are prescribed and when you receive them.
   • What is the medicine for?
   • How am I supposed to take it, and for how long?
   • What side effects are likely?
   • What do I do if they occur?
   • Is this medicine safe to take with other medicines or dietary supplements I am taking?
   • What food, drink, or activities should I avoid while taking the medicines?
5. Ask for written information about the side effects your medicine could cause. If you know what might happen, you will be better prepared if it does or, if something unexpected happens instead. That way, you can report the problem right away and get help before it gets worse.
6. While in the hospital, consider asking all healthcare workers who have direct contact with you whether they have washed their hands. Hand washing is an important way to prevent the spread of infections in hospitals.
7. If you are having surgery, make sure that you, your doctor, and your surgeon all agree and are clear on exactly what will be done.
8. Speak up if you have questions or concerns. You have a right to question anyone who is involved with your care.
9. Make sure that all health professionals involved in your care have important health information about you. Do not assume that everyone knows everything they need to.
10. Know that “more” is not always better. It is a good idea to find out why a test or treatment is needed and how it can help you.
11. If you have a test, don’t assume that no news is good news. Ask about the results.
12. When you are being discharged from the hospital, ask your doctor to explain the procedure you will use at home. This includes learning about your medicines and finding out when you can get back to your regular activities. Research shows that at discharge time, doctors think their patients understand more than they really do about what they should or should not do when they return home.
13. When your doctor writes you a prescription, make sure you can read it. If you can’t read your doctor’s handwriting, your pharmacist might not be able to either.
14. If you have any questions about the directions on your medicine labels, ask. Medicine labels can be hard to understand. For example, ask if “four doses daily” means taking a dose every 6 hours around the clock or just during regular waking hours.
15. Learn about your condition and treatments by asking your doctor and nurse and by using other reliable sources.

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