< Quality and Safety

Patient Safety

Studies have shown that medical errors are one of the leading causes of death in the United States today, killing more people than motor vehicle accidents, breast cancer, and AIDS. Most errors occur because of the complexity of the health care system, but errors also occur when physicians and their patients do not communicate well.

• Keep a list of all their medications, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbs, to share with all of their doctors.
  
  
• Tell their doctor about allergies or adverse reactions they have had to medication.
  
  
• Know why they are taking prescriptions, the side effects, the length of time they should take the medication, and whether they can take the medication with other medicines and supplements, such as herbs.
  
  
• Choose a network hospital at which many patients have had the surgery or procedure they need, if they have a choice.
  
  
• Discuss the procedure with their doctor and their surgeon so they understand exactly what surgery is to be performed.
  
  
• Discuss their plan of care upon discharge from the hospital, including medications, recommended activity level, and follow-up care.
  
  
• Obtain the results of all tests and procedures.
  
  
• Ask questions.
  
  
• Become an active member of the health care team.
  
  

< Quality and Safety