Soul Pitt’s Healthy You! Health and Wellness Resources in Pittsburgh

Health care in the United States is not as safe as it should be—and can be. Each year, thousands of people die in hospitals as a result of medical errors that could have been prevented, according to published studies.

Medical errors can range from surgical errors to wrong-site surgery, falls, pressure ulcers and medication errors—just to name a few. Studies have found that the highest risk of medical errors occur in intensive care units, operating rooms and the emergency department.[i]

Everyone has a role in making health care safe. As a patient, you can make your care safer by getting involved in your own health care. Research shows that patients who are actively involved in their health care decisions are more likely to get better faster.

There are many ways to get involved in making your health care safer. The following tips are adapted from the Speak Up™ program sponsored by the Joint Commission, an organization that accredits hospitals.[ii]

Speak up if you have questions or concerns. If you still do not understand, ask again. It is your body and you have a right to know. Do not worry about being embarrassed if you do not understand something that you are told. If you need language assistance, ask for someone who speaks your language. You have the right to get free interpretation services.

Pay attention to the care you get. Tell your nurse or doctor if something does not seem right. Notice whether your caregivers have washed their hands. Hand washing is the most important way to prevent infections. Do not be afraid to remind a doctor or nurse to wash their hands.

Educate yourself about your illness. Learn about the medical tests you get and your treatment plan. Look for information about your condition. Write down important facts your doctor tells you. Ask your doctor if he or she has any written information that you can keep.

Ask a trusted family member or friend to be your advocate (advisor or supporter). Your advocate can ask questions that you may not think about when you are stressed. Ask this person to stay with you, even overnight, when you are hospitalized. You may be able to rest better. Make sure your advocate understands the type of care you will need when you get home. Your advocate should know what to look for if your condition is getting worse. He or she should also know who to call for help.

Know what medicines you take and why you take them. Medicine errors are the most common health care mistakes. Ask about why you should take the medicine. If you are taking a lot of medicines, be sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist if it is safe to take those medicines together.

Use a hospital, clinic, surgery center or other type of health care organization that has been carefully reviewed. Before you leave the hospital or other facility, ask about follow-up care and make sure that you understand all the instructions.

Participate in all decisions about your treatment. You are the center of the health care team. Keep copies of your medical records from previous hospital stays and share them with your health care

team. This will give them better information about your health history. Do not be afraid to ask for a second opinion. Also, talk to your doctor and your family about your wishes regarding resuscitation and other life-saving actions.

These are things that you could do today, if needed. Take advantage of help and support such as support groups and online patient safety information. It may be part of human nature to make mistakes and navigating the health care system is not always easy, but you can learn to manage your health care and help ensure your own safety. If you’re a Highmark member, find more resources by logging into the member website at www.highmarkbcbs.com.

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