HOW TO IMPROVE PATIENT SAFETY

Doctors and hospitals are working hard to give you the best care. But you also have to do your part. The fact is, lack of communication is a significant cause of medical errors. Fortunately, errors are preventable, especially when people become active and informed participants in their own health care. The information below will help you communicate more effectively with your health care team. The only thing worse than something happening is knowing that it could have been prevented.

Speak up if you have questions or concerns and do not be shy about asking your doctor or nurse for more information from reliable sources. Good health professionals value the relationships they have with their patients.

The American Hospital Association recommends asking your doctor about all of the various options for your treatment - the benefits, the risks and the side effects. Be a full partner in making decisions about your care.

Make sure you and every member of your health care team know about every prescription, over-the-counter medication, herbal product or dietary supplement you may be taking. Be sure your doctor knows about any allergies or adverse reactions you have to any medicine.

When your doctor writes a prescription, make sure you can read it and that you fully understand what it is for. Be sure you know exactly when and how to take it and that you are aware of any potential side effects your medication may cause.

When you pick up your medicine from the pharmacy, ask the pharmacist to confirm that it is in fact the medicine and the dosage that your doctor prescribed.

If you have a test, be sure to call and get the results. No news is not necessarily good news.

If you need to stay at a hospital and you have a choice, choose one where many patients have had the procedure or surgery you need.

If you are having surgery, be sure that your health care team agrees on exactly what will be done to exactly which part of your body. Having the surgeon mark the site to be operated on is a good idea.

When being discharged from a hospital, ask your doctor or health professional to thoroughly explain the treatment plan you will use at home, review your medications and coordinate your follow-up visit.

The more you know about your health, the healthier you will be. Keep this information and share it with your family and your doctor.

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