The single most important way you can help to prevent errors is to be an active member of your health care team. That means taking part in every decision about your health care. 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.
Make sure that all of your doctors know about everything you are taking. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, and dietary supplements such as vitamins and herbs.
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.
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.
Ask for information about your medicines in terms you can understand – both when your medicines are prescribed and when you receive them.
When you pick up your medicine from the pharmacy, ask: Is this the medicine that my doctor prescribed?
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.
Ask your pharmacist for the best device to measure your liquid medicine. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure how to use it.
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 occurs instead. That way, you can report the problem right away and get help before it gets worse. A study found that written information about medicines can help patients recognize problem side effects and give that information to their doctor or pharmacist.
While you're in the hospital
If you have a choice, choose a hospital at which many patients have the procedure or surgery you need. Research shows that patients tend to have better results when they are treated in hospitals that have a great deal of experience with their condition.
If you are in a hospital, consider asking all health care workers who have direct contact with you whether they have washed their hands. Handwashing, or the use of antimicrobial (agents which “kill” many germs which cause infections) foam, is an important way to prevent the spread of infections in hospitals. A recent study found that when patients checked whether health care workers washed their hands, the workers “washed” their hands more often.
When you are being discharged from the hospital, ask your doctor to explain the treatment plan 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.
Preparing for surgery
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. Evidence shows that marking the correct site for surgery with a marker pen reduces the chance for a mistake
Other steps you can take
Speak up if you have questions or concerns. You have a right to question anyone who is involved with your care.
Make sure that someone, such as your personal doctor, is in charge of your care. This is especially important if you have many health problems or are in a hospital.
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.
Ask a family member or friend to be there with you and be your advocate (someone who can help get things done and speak up for you if you can’t). Even if you think you don’t need help now, you might need it later.
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. You could be better off without it.
If you have a test, don’t assume that no news is good news. Ask about the results.
Learn about your condition and treatments by asking your doctor and nurse and by using other reliable sources. For example, treatment recommendations based on the latest scientific evidence are available from the National Guidelines Clearinghouse. Ask your doctor about your treatment options and the treatment recommended for you.
