Medical mistakes are a common topic in the news from accidental drug overdose to hospital born infection to surgical mistakes. These mistakes cost millions each years and in the worst cases cause major illness, disability, or death. The government and medical institutions are taking many steps to decrease the rates of medical errors, but you have an important role as well. Taking an active role in your healthcare can help prevent medical errors. The following is a list of recommendations to help you stay well:
RESOURCES:
American Nurses Association
http://nursingworld.org/
National Patient Safety Foundation
http://www.npsf.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Patient Safety Institute
http://www.patientsafetyinstitute.ca/
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/
References:
The Commonwealth Fund website. Available at: http://www.commonwealthfund.org/ .
Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations website. Available at: http://www.jointcommission.org/.
National Patient Safety Foundation website. Available at: http://www.npsf.org/.
What is Magnet status and how's that whole thing going? The Center for Nursing Advocacy website. Available at: http://www.npsf.org/. Updated October 20, 2008. Accessed April 26, 2010.
Last reviewed April 2010 by Brian Randall, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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