The single most important
way you can help to prevent medical errors is to be an active member
of your healthcare team. That means taking part in every decision
about your health. Research shows that patients who are more involved
with their care tend to get better results.
2.
Ask Questions if You Have Doubts or Concerns
Ask questions and make
sure you understand the answers. Choose a doctors you feel comfortable
talking to. Take a relative or friend with you to help ask questions
and understand the answers. If you have questions or concerns about
your condition or treatment options, be sure to ask. It may be
helpful to write down your questions as you think of them and keep
them handy when you are speaking with your physician or healthcare
provider.
3. "Bring
The List"
Keep an updated list of all medications you
are taking. Include both the names of the medications you are taking
and the dosage. Bring this list to every medical appointment or
any inpatient or outpatient visit to the hospital. This information
is very important to help your physicians and healthcare providers
provide you with the best and safest care. Also, be sure to tell
your physician and pharmacist about any drug allergies you have.
Ask about side effects and what to avoid while taking the medicine.
Read the label when you get your medicine, including all warnings.
Make sure your medicine is what the doctor ordered and know how
to use it. Ask the pharmacist about your medicine if it looks
different than you expected.
4.
Help Reduce the Risk of Infection
Remind caregivers to wash their
hands before they care for you. Wash your own hands and keep any
wounds clean and dry. Hand washing is the no.1 preventative mechanism
to prevent infections and it is very important for your family
and visitors to wash their hands upon entering and exiting your
hospital room.
5.
Ensure Correct Patient Identification
Everyone coming into contact
with you in a healthcare setting should be asking your full name
and your date of birth. Remind caregivers to do this if they neglect
to check this information with you.
The single most important
way you can help to prevent medical errors is to be an active member
of your healthcare team. That means taking part in every decision
about your health. Research shows that patients who are more involved
with their care tend to get better results.
Ask questions and make
sure you understand the answers. Choose a doctors you feel comfortable
talking to. Take a relative or friend with you to help ask questions
and understand the answers. If you have questions or concerns about
your condition or treatment options, be sure to ask. It may be
helpful to write down your questions as you think of them and keep
them handy when you are speaking with your physician or healthcare
provider.
Remind caregivers to wash their
hands before they care for you. Wash your own hands and keep any
wounds clean and dry. Hand washing is the no.1 preventative mechanism
to prevent infections and it is very important for your family
and visitors to wash their hands upon entering and exiting your
hospital room.
Everyone coming into contact
with you in a healthcare setting should be asking your full name
and your date of birth. Remind caregivers to do this if they neglect
to check this information with you.
