7 Steps To Medical Safety
Unfortunately, medical errors are more common than we think. These medical errors can occur in hospitals, pharmacies or even in your own home. However, being medical informed consumer can help you to prevent these medical errors.
Follow the seven steps to medical safety to help ensure you own safety.
Step 1 - Be Informed
- When it comes to your medicine, the more you know about the medicine, the safer you are.
Step 2 - Communicate
- You could avoid harmful medical drug interactions simply by telling your doctor or pharmacist about all the medications you take, including over-the-counter products, vitamins and herbal supplements.
Step 3 - Check Your Medicine
- Would you know if you got the wrong medication by mistake? Ensure all your medical drug is labeled correctly.
Step 4 - Use Your Medicine Correctly
- Sure, it's easy to take a pill, but ensure medical drugs are not shared among your love ones without consulting the doctor or pharmacist first.
Step 5 - Be Aware
- Studies show that more than one in five elderly Americans use a medication that may be wrong for them. Hence it's best again to get the doctors or pharmacist prescriptions first before taking in any medication.
Step 6 - Keep Good Records
- Take an active role in your healthcare. Make a personal emergency contact and medication card so important information such as the type of medical drug you're taking in is easy to find in an emergency. You could also use your card to keep track of your medications and allergies.
Step 7 - Ask Questions
- Don't be afraid to contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions, if a medication doesn't seem to be working or if you have problems with the medication or treatment decision. Your doctor or pharmacist are there to help ensure your safety.