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Taking Steps for Safe Health Care (Article 2) |
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Medical errors sometimes occur in the health care system and are one of the primary causes of death and injury in the United States. Errors are possible in multiple situations including prescribing medication, writing reports, using equipment or making a diagnosis. Although government agencies and others are working together to create a safer health care system for the public, there are steps you can take to ensure your health safety.
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Where do medical errors occur? |
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Medical errors can happen anywhere you receive health care; for example, your doctor’s office, the drug store or pharmacy, outpatient care centers, clinics, even in your own home.
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What can you do? |
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Take an active part in your health care—don’t hesitate to ask your doctor questions about your care and voice your concerns.
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Tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including any non-prescription medicines; such as, aspirin, cough medicine, vitamins and herbs.
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Remind your doctor of allergies or reactions you may have had in the past.
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Make sure you can read the prescriptions the doctor has given you. If you can’t read it, it is possible the pharmacist can’t read it either.
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Ask questions about the prescription(s) you are given. What exactly is it for? How long should it be taken? Should it be taken with food?
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When you pick up your medicine, check again with the pharmacist to make sure it is the correct medicine and make sure the pharmacist knows all the prescription and non-prescription medications you are taking.
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Get directions on how to take your medications, how to measure them and know their possible side effects.
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Always ask the doctor, nurse, pharmacist or other health care worker questions if you don’t understand or if you have concerns about your care.
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Don’t assume your test is normal if you don’t hear anything.
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Learn about your illness and possible treatments and discuss them with your doctor.
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If you need surgery, make sure you know exactly what to expect, who will be taking care of you and how long it will take to recover.
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If you have the option, pick a hospital or facility that frequently performs the surgery you need or frequently treats patients with your illness.
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Ask questions about a test or treatment—ask if it is absolutely necessary and ask how you will benefit from it.
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These are a few things you can do to protect yourself when receiving health care. For more information regarding health safety, you may visit the following government-sponsored Web sites:
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20 Tips to Help Prevent Medical Errors |
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Five Steps to Safer Health Care |
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It's Your Health: Use Your Medications Safely |
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Last Updated: January 8, 2008
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