Collaborating with Your Caregivers

Ever since the report of the Institute of Medicine on patient safety in 1999, new and needed attention to avoidable medical injuries has been in the spotlight. As a consequence, hospitals and other healthcare organizations have devoted significant effort toward re-designing their systems of care to reduce medical errors and improve patient safety.

While this is necessary, sometimes the role that individual patients play in their care can be overlooked. There are real opportunities to be your own advocate in any health care setting that at the least will reduce the risk of your injury, and more importantly, can provide you with a sense of personal direction as you navigate through the health care system.

The following list has been compiled by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and the National Patient Safety Foundation. It is not all-inclusive, but provides an excellent framework for helping to ensure the best possible outcome, which is in all of our best interests.

1. For medical procedures, choose a hospital that does that procedure in high volumes.
2. If you are having surgery, make sure that all your health care professionals are in agreement on what is being done.
3. Ask your doctor about his or her experience with your particular surgery.
4. Take your medications and a list of your medications with you to the hospital, including any herbal medications.
5. Tell your doctors if you have any drug allergies.
6. Ask for the names of any new medications prescribed while in the hospital.
7. Look at any new medication given to you in the hospital, and if it looks unfamiliar, ask why.
8. Ask for written information on potential side effects of new medications.
9. Make sure that anyone administering any medication or treatment to you looks at your ID bracelet first.
10. Keep track of the usual times of day that you get your medications.
11. Ask if your healthcare worker has washed his or her hands before caring for you.
12. At the time of discharge, ask for a clear explanation of the home treatment plan.
13. Expect health care workers to wear a name badge and to introduce themselves to you.
14. Take notes when you speak with your doctor or other caregiver.
15. Carefully read anything having to do with your care before signing.
16. Don't be afraid to ask for a second opinion.
17. Ask for an overview of your treatment plan.
18. Don't be afraid to call to get test results - don't assume that no news is good news.
19. Be conscientious about getting follow-up tests and other procedures ordered by your doctor.
20. Bring a friend or relative with you if you have concerns about your ability to converse with your doctor and other healthcare providers.

Everyone doesn't need to ask all these questions - apply them as needed to your particular situation. Taking an active role in your health is in your own best interests. Remember as well that all those charged with your care are also hoping for the best possible outcome.

In the event that any member of your healthcare team (including the doctor) is uncooperative with what are reasonable requests, you have recourse in the appropriate supervisors for non-physician caregivers, and the medical chief of staff for members of the medical staff.

For more information, see the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's 20 Tips to Help Prevent Medical Errors and Quick Tips - When Talking With your Doctor, or the web site of the National Patient Safety Foundation.

"Your Health" provides easy-to-understand information about common health conditions.