| The good news: During the past five years the | | | | doctor to explain your illness in simple and |
| medical profession have really focused on patient | | | | understandable terms. Do not leave the medical centre |
| safety. | | | | before you know about your medicines including when |
| The bad news is that medical errors still occur even | | | | and how many to take, as well as any side effects |
| though pharmaceutical consulting has been seen to | | | | you might experience. |
| work in many instances, and there are hundreds if not | | | | Keep your medical care team up to date. Make sure |
| thousands of deaths in the US every year because of | | | | your doctors know about everything you take, from |
| medical mistakes. | | | | prescription medicines to dietary supplements and |
| The better news is that according to the U.S. Agency | | | | over-the-counter medications. Also, you need to make |
| for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), while | | | | sure that you tell your doctor about any allergies that |
| many errors result from the complexity of health care | | | | you have to stop them giving you a drug which might |
| systems, patients can protect themselves by taking | | | | react badly with you. You can use personalised |
| control of their health care. | | | | medical ID bracelets which can be fashionable to |
| If the government makes the healthcare system safer | | | | communicate this vital information. Rick Russell, founder |
| and manufacturers use pharmaceutical consulting then | | | | of American Medical ID, says that in many |
| the majority of diagnostic, surgical or medical errors | | | | emergencies, wearing a medical ID could make a |
| could be avoided. However you should get involved | | | | world of difference in the quality of care you receive. |
| with your own healthcare because these changes | | | | "Having medical information front and centre helps |
| would take years to be adopted. | | | | address many risks associated with treatment. You |
| Medical practitioners around the US have begun to | | | | can have peace of mind when you know that you are |
| advise patients that the more time they invest in their | | | | wearing your medical ID bracelet." |
| own health care plan, the better they will be in the long | | | | Do not be afraid to question the judgement of anyone |
| run. Research and practical experience show that | | | | involved in the medical profession because they can |
| patients who become more involved in their care get | | | | and do get it wrong. The only way to avoid dangerous |
| better results overall. | | | | medical mistakes id to check and check again that |
| To prevent medical errors in your own health care, | | | | your symptoms and the medicines or treatment you |
| here are some recommendations: | | | | have been prescribed are in line with one another. |
| Because medical information is often complicated in | | | | Take control. |
| terms of jargon and language, you should ask your | | | | |