Avoiding Medical Mistakes

Outside the Hospital

Keep a notebook with your medical history, including lab, X-ray, and procedure reports.

Call about test results if you do not receive them in the time expected.

Tell every health care provider about your allergies, as well as any medications, supplements,

and herbal remedies you take.

Write down adverse reactions to medications.

Make a list of your doctors, your pharmacy, and other providers. Give it to new members of the

team.

Research the credentials of any potential provider.

Take a list of questions to the doctor’s visit. Write down the answers. Or ask someone to

accompany you.

If your English skills are limited, take a translator.

Make sure you can read the prescriptions.

Know what drugs are for, the amount you should be taking, how to take them, and potential

side effects.

If you need a procedure, ask who will do the anesthesia and insist on meeting the person to

review your medical needs.

Ask how you will be monitored.

Check the hospital’s reputation, its accreditation, and Magnet status.

In the Hospital

Remind caregivers to wash their hands. It prevents the spread of infection. Or post a sign.

If you are having surgery, mark the correct site.

Ask the name of the registered nurse responsible for your care each shift. If you have a

question, direct it to him or her.

Avoid distracting caregivers while they provide care. Wait until the task is finished.

Check medications before swallowing. If they do not look right, ask.

Remind staff about allergies, especially for things routinely used, such as latex or iodine.

Understand why tests are being done.

Before leaving, understand what follow-up care you will need and how you will get it.

"Worry is the darkroom where the negatives are developed!"

         

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