5 tips to prevent medical errors 1. Understand your diagnosis and treatment plan. If you don’t, ask questions. 2. Understand your medications and why you take them. Know the generic and brand names, dosages, how and when you are supposed to take them. Recheck what your medical professional prescribed for you with the meds you receive from your pharmacy. Ask questions if something looks unusual. 3. Create a list of your medications and their dosages, over-the-counter medications, herbs and supplements and bring this list with you to every medical encounter. List allergies to medications. Make sure every doctor or other medical professional you see knows what medications you are currently taking and if you have any allergies to medications. 4. If you are to have a test, procedure, surgery or other medical intervention, at the time repeat your full name, date of birth, name of procedure, test, surgery and on what body part, and your physician’s name. 5. Enlist a loved one to be your advocate whether you are in the hospital or in a doctor’s office. Get proactive! as we approach the international patient safety day.
Posted on: Sat, 20 Jul 2013 15:34:19 +0000