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TOPICS
TIPS: Speak Up Quickly | Watch For Mistakes in a
Nice Way | Prescription checklist
Office, Hospital and Pharmacist checklist | Related Resources
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In the News
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Stay safe
in the ER with life-saving strategies
As many as 98,000 Americans die every year as a result
of medical mistakes
http://on.msnbc.com/ndPaJm |
Errors
occur not only in hospitals but in other health care settings, such
as physicians' offices, nursing homes, pharmacies, urgent care
centers, and care delivered in the home.
A 2001 Institute of Medicine (IOM) report found that U.S.
health care was insufficiently safe, effective,
patient-centered, efficient, timely, or equitable.
It also noted
that preventable medical errors caused an estimated 44,000
98,000 inpatient hospital deaths per year.
rwjf.org
TIPS
SPEAK UP QUICKLY
Don't hesitate to let the
doctor know you aren't getting better and/or you are getting
worse
WATCH FOR MEDICAL MISTAKES IN A
NICE WAY
Try not to insult the people
that are caring for you in the process
No
one can be perfect every minute of every day. Mistakes will always
happen. We are all human.
Minimizing Your Risk PARTICIPATE IN YOUR CARE
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Learn about your medical condition and the
treatments from reputable sources.
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When you have questions, ask; prepare a
written list and copies.
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Communicate honestly about your medical
history, symptoms,
and relevant life style practices.
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Bring a trusted friend or loved one to your
medical consults
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Be polite, but persistent anyone can make
mistakes |
PRESCRIPTION CHECKLIST:
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Prepare a written list of all prescription
drugs, over the counter medications, and
supplements; give a copy for your doctor and the pharmacist.
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Ask your doctor to review your medications
at least twice a year.
Prepare a list of allergies and secondary conditions; give a
copy to your doctor and pharmacist.
Make sure you can read the prescription and the dose.
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Ask why a medication, test, procedure, or
surgery is being prescribed.
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Ask your doctor, nurse, & pharmacist:
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What is
the name of medication? |
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What is
it for? |
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What are
the most common side effects? |
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What
should be done if side effects occur?
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Is this
medication safe to take with the other medications
and supplements I take?
(Provide list) |
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What
foods, drink, or activities should be avoided when I
take this medication? |
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OFFICE, HOSPITAL &
SURGERY CHECKLIST
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Start with an
accurate diagnosis medication for the wrong illness can be
dangerous. |
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Identify the
person in charge of overseeing your care.
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Obtain a written
list of your medications and doses
then ask for the
name of the medication,
the dose,
the person its intended for,
before accepting it including IV medications.
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Make sure that
all persons treating you know your medical condition,
history, and identity. |
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Make sure that
the procedure or surgery you are receiving is intended for
you. |
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Make sure all
persons who contact you, or items you use, have washed their
hands even if
they wear gloves Get a second opinion for medical
procedures, particularly high-risk treatments or surgery.
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Before surgery,
ask: What precautions will be taken to ensure right-site
surgery? |
Related Resources
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By PAL: Download and print:
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Symptoms
checklist
PDF |
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Tips
to Keep safe and minimize Medical Errors
PDF
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Medication Checklist by PAL
PDF
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Ways You Can Help Your Family
Prevent Medical Errors!
ahrq.gov
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PAL's Tips
to Keep safe and minimize Medical Errors - a printable
brochure PDF
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Improving Quality and Safety
Despite some progress, the nation
still faces an urgent need to build a less error-prone system
that delivers better care.
A 2001 Institute of Medicine (IOM) report found that U.S.
health care was insufficiently safe, effective,
patient-centered, efficient, timely, or equitable. It also noted
that preventable medical errors caused an estimated 44,000
98,000 inpatient hospital deaths per year.
http://www.rwjf.org/
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