Health Advices and Medical Tips

Medical errors are a major cause of death and injury of the American nation. A report by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) estimates the number of people who die in U.S. hospitals each year from medical errors between 44,000 and 98,000.

• What is this medicine?
• How should I take it and for how long?
• What side effects are likely to occur? What if they occur?
• Is it safe to take this drug with other drugs, both those obtained by prescription and that do not require, or dietary supplements I am taking?
• What foods, drinks or activities should I avoid while taking this medicine?

How can I help protect against medical errors?

1. The most important way you can help prevent errors is to be an active member of your health care team. That means taking part in every decision about your health care. Studies show that patients are more involved with their care tend to get better results.
2. Make sure all your doctors know everything that you are taking. This includes medicines you can buy prescription and non-prescription and dietary supplements such as vitamins and herbs. At least once a year, bring all your medications and supplements with you to your doctor.
3. Make sure your doctor knows about any allergies and adverse reactions you have had. This can help you avoid getting a medicine that can harm you.
4. When your doctor write a prescription make sure you can read it. If you can not read the letter from your doctor pharmacist may not be able to.
5. Request information about your medicines in terms you can understand both when your medicines are prescribed and when you receive them. See the list box below with questions you should ask about your prescription.
6. When you collect your medicine from the pharmacy ask if that is the medicine your doctor prescribed. A study by the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences (College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Massachusetts) found that 88% of the errors related to medication were receiving the wrong medication or wrong dose.
7. If you have any questions about the instructions on medicine labels, ask. The drug labels can be difficult to understand. For example, ask if “four doses daily” means taking a dose every 6 hours for 24 hours or only during daylight hours when you are awake.
8. Ask your pharmacist for the best device to measure your liquid medicine. Also ask questions if you are not sure how to use. Studies show that many people do not understand the right way to measure liquid medicines. For example, many use household teaspoons, which often can not hold a true teaspoon of liquid.
9. Ask for written information about side effects your medicine could cause. If you know what might happen you will be better prepared if this happens, or if something unexpected happens instead. That way you can report the problem right away and get help before it gets worse.
10. If you have a choice choose a hospital at which many patients undergo the procedure or surgery you need. Studies show that patients tend to have better results when treated in hospitals that have extensive experience treating the medical condition they have.
11. If you are in a hospital, consider asking all professional health care that have direct contact with you if they have washed their hands. Handwashing is an important way to prevent the spread of infections in hospitals.
12. When you are discharged from the hospital, ask your doctor to explain the treatment plan you will use at home. This includes learning about your medications and determine when you can return to continue their regular activities. Studies show that at the time of discharge you doctors think their patients understand more than they really do about what they should or should not do when they return home.
13. If you are going to undergo surgery to make sure you, your doctor and your surgeon all agree and are clear on exactly what is going to do. Doing surgery at the wrong place, for example in the left knee instead of the right knee is rare. But this happens even when once is too much. The good news is that wrong-site surgery is 100% preventable. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons) recommends that surgeons sign their initials on the site to be operated on before surgery.
14. Speak up if you have questions or concerns. You have the right to question anyone who is involved in your care.
15. Make sure that someone such as your doctor, is in charge of your care. This is especially important if you have many health problems or are in hospital.
16. Ensure that all health care staff who is involved in your care have important health information about you. Do not assume that everyone knows what you need to know.
17. Ask a family member or friend to be with you, and advocate for you, someone who can help get things done and who can speak for you if you can not. Even if you think you do not need help now may need later.
18. Know that “more” does not always mean better. It’s a good idea to determine why a test or treatment is needed and how he or she can help. It is possible that you might be better off without it.
19. If you have a test, do not assume that if they do not give news that means all is well. Ask about the results.
20. Learn about your condition and treatments by asking your doctor and nurse and by using other reliable sources of information. Ask your doctor if your treatment is based on the latest data.