Being an informed, proactive patient can reduce the risk of medical errors

While a great deal of work has been done to reduce the risk of medical errors, a data analysis by researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine and Harvard found medical errors remain a significant problem. Their analysis found that 371,000 people died and 424,000 were permanently disabled as a result of medical errors in the records they reviewed. Another study noted the risk of errors when patients in the hospital are transferred to the ICU.

What steps can you take to protect yourself?

What patients and their advocates can do to reduce the risk of medical errors

There are a number of proactive steps patients, their caregivers and loved ones, and other advocates can take to reduce the risk of medical errors and misdiagnosis.

• Be an informed partner in your care. If you have questions or concerns about your diagnosis or treatment options, tell your provider. If you don’t fully understand any aspect of your care, ask for a clearer explanation. It can be helpful to repeat back to your provider what you understood to double check that your understanding is correct.
• Become an educated patient. Ask your provider for a copy of your appointment notes or any materials they have on your condition. Take time to learn about your diagnosis from reputable resources like the websites of medical centers of excellence, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Institutes of Health. Your PinnacleCare Health Advisor can provide evidence-based information on conditions and treatment options tailored to the health issues you face and your personal health history.
• Get a second opinion from an experienced provider. Whenever you are diagnosed with a serious or rare health problem, receive a recommendation for surgery, or your provider cannot reach a definitive diagnosis, seek a second opinion from a physician with a high level of experience treating patients with the health issue you face. Second opinions can be performed virtually, which expands your access to include the foremost experts in the field. Your PinnacleCare Health Advisor can arrange second opinions and help you understand the recommendations and information you receive so you can make an informed decision.

Lowering the risk of medical errors in the hospital

If you or a loved one is hospitalized, being proactive and asking questions can help protect you from medical errors.

• Seek care at accredited hospitals. While it’s not a guarantee that your care will be error-free, it’s wise to receive care at hospitals that have undergone rigorous on-site evaluation of quality and safety standards, such as that provided by the Joint Commission.
• Make sure you receive the correct care. All nurses, technicians, and physicians should check your ID before providing any medicine or treatment. If you’re having surgery, confirm with your surgeon what procedure will be performed and, if needed, on which part of your body, for example your left knee rather than your right.
• Ask what tests are being ordered and why. Ask what lab and imaging tests have been requested and what those tests are looking for. If an invasive test, such as a biopsy, has been ordered, ask about potential complications and whether there are any non-invasive, effective alternative ways to get the needed information.
• Track which medications have been prescribed. Find out what medications you’re receiving, the dosage, why they were prescribed, how long you will need to take them, and what the potential side effects are. Be sure the healthcare team treating you is aware of all prescription and over-the-counter medications you take and any allergies or serious side effects caused by medications in the past.
• Learn about all your treatment options. Discuss the potential benefits and risks of all recommended treatment options with your providers.
• Ask what happens when you are discharged. Find out what the next steps in your treatment and recovery process are. For example, will you need physical therapy, when should you be seen for a follow-up appointment, are there test results that haven’t been received yet, are there medications you will continue to take, and what are symptoms that could mean you’re experiencing a complication of your treatment or condition?

Avoid medication errors

Medication errors are the most common type of healthcare mistake. These steps can help you avoid them.

• Carry an up-to-date list of all medications, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements and their dosages and share the list with all providers you see.
• At the pharmacy, check to make sure the drug name and dosage on the prescription bottle and the original prescription match. If they’re different, ask the pharmacist why.
• Ask your pharmacist for directions for taking your medication, for example with or without food.

Lean on your PinnacleCare Health Advisor for support

Your PinnacleCare Health Advisor is there to provide support throughout your entire health journey, whether that includes routine care or a complicated medical diagnosis. Leaning on your Health Advisor and PinnacleCare’ s team of experts to help you navigate the healthcare system and help you advocate for your health can lead to better outcomes.

Connect with a PinnacleCare Relationship Manager today to see how we can support your health needs.