An Ounce of Prevention
Up to 98,000 patients die in United States hospitals each year due to health care errors. Following are some suggestions to minimize your chances of incurring infections, receiving someone else's medication or the wrong dosage of your own, as well as other potential hazards, including:
1. Have someone there to speak up for you. When you are ill or medicated you may misunderstand questions and respond incorrectly which could have serious consequences. You may forget to ask certain questions or fail to relate everything you need to communicate to the healthcare team.
2. Ask questions. When you are given medication ask what it is. Look at it. If you do not recognize it as your regular medication, inquire as to the name of the drug, the dosage and why you are taking it. If you notice anything out of the ordinary ask why it was prescribed or the dosage changed, etc. Don’t be afraid to ask to have the doctor’s order re-checked. Mix-ups can and do occur.
3. Follow directions. Be sure you understand and follow directions and procedures. If you do not understand directions and procedures ask to have things explained more clearly.
4. Pay attention to your surroundings. If your caregiver does not wash his/her hands before touching you politely ask them to do so. Wash your own hands often with the antibacterial soap provided and rinse well with warm water, especially before touching anything that will go into your mouth. If you are unable to get out of bed keep a bottle of disinfecting hand cleaner at your bedside and use it. Listen to see if your caregiver addresses you by the correct name to insure that you are the correct patient. If you are diabetic or a heart patient, confirm with hospital personnel that you have been given food and drink consistent with your dietary requirements.
5. Inquire about blood clots. Lying in a hospital bed makes you more susceptible to blood clots, which can be fatal. Ask if you are at risk for blood clots and what is being done, or can be done, to eliminate or decrease the chances of suffering a blood clot. If necessary don’t hesitate to remind hospital personnel to institute these procedures.
6. Take part in your healthcare. Be aware and able to communicate to healthcare providers, your medical history and treatment, your complaints, allergy information, and medication. It is a good idea to write down the foregoing information so you won’t forget anything. Take a picture of your medication; the bottles indicating name, dosage, date and prescribing physician as well as the pills themselves. Take these photos and documents to the hospital with you. Be sure the person who accompanies you to the hospital knows where the items are located.
For additional information about your rights and hospital safety — go to www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/patientrights.html and type the phrase “patient rights” in the search box.
