Jan. 16, 2001- DEAR ANN LANDERS: I was interested in the letters
you printed from women who were reluctant to see a doctor because
they feared doctors were incompetent. I am enclosing a fact sheet
from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality that may be helpful.
I hope you will print it.
Ellen McGovern, AHRQ public affairs, U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services, Rockville, Md.
DEAR ELLEN McGOVERN: We all know someone who had the bad fortune
to have been the victim of an incompetent medical professional. We
also know that too many patients lack the vigilance that could have
saved them from medical mistakes. Thanks for your guidelines. Here
they are:
Twenty Tips to Prevent Medical Errors
1. Be an active member of your healthcare team. Patients who are
more involved with their own care tend to get better results.
2. Make sure all your doctors know about everything you are
taking.
This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, and
dietary supplements, such as vitamins and herbs.
3. Make sure your doctor knows about any allergies and adverse
reactions you have had to medicines.
4. When your doctor writes you a prescription, make sure you can
read it.
5. Ask for information about your medicines in terms you can
understand: What is the medicine for? How am I supposed to take it,
and for how long? What are the side effects? What do I do if they
occur?
6. When you pick up your medicine from the pharmacy, ask: "Is this
the medicine my doctor prescribed?" Make sure.
7. If you have any questions about the directions on your medicine
labels, ASK. Does "four doses daily" mean a dose every six hours
around the clock, or just during regular waking hours?
8. Ask your pharmacist for the best device to measure your liquid
medicine.
9. Ask for written information about the side effects of your
medication.
10. If you are in a hospital, consider asking all healthcare
workers who have direct contact with you whether they have washed
their hands.
11. If you have a choice, choose a hospital at which many patients
have the procedure or surgery you need.
12. When you are being discharged from the hospital, ask your
doctor to explain the treatment plan you will use at home.
13. If you are having surgery, make sure you, your doctor, and
your surgeon all agree, and are clear on exactly what will be done.
14. Speak up if you have questions or concerns.
15. Make sure that someone, such as your personal doctor, is in
charge of your care if you have multiple health problems or if you
are in a hospital.
16. Make sure all health professionals involved in your care have
the necessary health information. Don't assume they know everything
about you.
17. Ask a family member or friend to be your advocate and help get
things done, and speak for you if you cannot.
18. Be aware that "more" is not always better. You may be better
off without certain treatments or tests. Find out.
19. If you have a test, don't assume no news is good news. ASK.
20. Learn about your condition and treatment by asking your doctor
and nurse and other reliable sources. An informed patient is a
healthier patient.
