Safer Healthcare - What You Can Do
Research shows that medical errors often occur through a series of small failures in the system. In our experience, this is often true in the cases we bring on behalf of patient and their families. An individual error by one healthcare provider is usually not enough to cause patient harm, but under the right circumstances combinations of errors can cause significant patient injury.
The National Patient Safety Foundation (NPSF) has authored a consumer fact sheet which provides patients and their families with simple tips that may prevent you and your loved ones from becoming the victim of a medical error.
The NPSF fact sheet includes suggestions such as keeping a list in your wallet of your current medications, allergies and chronic medical conditions and taking a trusted family member with you to doctor visits so they can take notes, ask questions and understand your care.
For the complete list of consumer tips, please go to the National Patient Safety Foundation.