20 Tips to Help Prevent Medical Errors

The information listed in this fact sheet was developed by the Federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Care Choices HMO encourages you to cut out this fact sheet and post it in a place which you can use to remind you and other family members about the importance of being an active consumer.

What Can You Do? Be Involved in Your Health Care

1. 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.
   
   Medicines
2. 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.
   
   At least once a year, bring all of your medicines and supplements with you to your doctor.
   
   
3. 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.
   
   
4. 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.
   
   
5. Ask for information about your medicines in terms you can understand-both when your medicines are prescribed and when you receive them.
   • What is the medicine for?
   • How am I supposed to take it, and for how long?
   • What side effects are likely? What do I do if they occur?
   • Is this medicine safe to take with other medicines or dietary supplements I am taking?
   • What food, drink, or activities should I avoid while taking this medicine?
     
     
6. When you pick up your medicine from the pharmacy, ask: Is this the medicine that my doctor prescribed?
   
   
7. If you have any questions about the directions on your medicine labels, ask.
   
   
8. Ask your pharmacist for the best device to measure your liquid medicine. Also, ask questions if you're not sure how to use it.
   
   
9. 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 happens instead.
   
   Hospital Stays
10. 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.
    
    
11. 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 is an important way to prevent the spread of infections in hospitals.
    
    
12. 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.
    
    Surgery
13. 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.
    
    Doing surgery at the wrong site (for example, operating on the left knee instead of the right) is rare. But even once is too often. The good news is that wrong-site surgery is 100 percent preventable.
    
    Other Steps You Can Take
14. Speak up if you have questions or concerns.
    
    You have a right to question anyone who is involved with your care.
    
    
15. 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.
    
    
16. 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.
    
    
17. Ask a family member or friend to be there with you and to 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.
    
    
18. 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.
    
    
19. If you have a test, don't assume that no news is good news.
    
    Ask about the results.
    
    
20. Learn about your condition and treatments by asking your doctor and nurse and by using other reliable sources.