Be an Active Partner in Your Medical Care

Experts suggest that a good way to reduce medical errors regarding your care or that of a loved one is to be an active partner in the process whether in a hospital setting, doctors’ office or the pharmacy. In fact, a study showed 7% of hospitalized patients experienced an event that was considered preventable which negatively affected their health.

Furthermore, harmful errors in primary and outpatient health care settings are typically related to diagnoses, prescriptions and use of medicines. Mistakes associated with misdiagnosis result in delayed treatment for the real problem and having the wrong medications prescribed or supplied can cause serious complications.

However, it is important to keep in mind that some medical errors are a result of patients failing to disclose all the medications they take including prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Another problem is the failure to reveal pertinent details regarding a person’s prior medical history as well as lifestyle habits such as smoking, diet and alcohol consumption.

Medical professionals say to remember the time spent with your doctor is short, so to help prevent errors with care, come prepared to your appointment by putting in writing critical points you wish to discuss. The Johns Hopkins Armstrong Institute Center for Diagnostic Excellence at Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore has a QuestionBuilder app available by AHRQ at Google Play or the Apple App store to help you focus on the questions you need to ask during your appointment.

Other things to do before the appointment include putting together a list of medications you take, the dosage, and why you take it. If you worry about forgetting something you were told during the visit, take along a family member or trusted friend. Also, ask questions and seek a second opinion if it would make you more comfortable. Most importantly if a medical problem is not getting better, remain persistent in addressing it with your medical team.

At MorningStar at River Oaks, our goal is to provide exceptional senior living in Houston, and we offer all the services needed to support and enhance our residents’ physical, mental, spiritual and social wellbeing. Our beautiful community has 85 assisted living suites in a variety of floor plans. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood offers specialized care for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory impairments. Please contact us to learn more about MorningStar’s amenities, care services and pricing.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us for more information about the finest senior living Houston has to offer.

Source: nbcnews.com/health/health-news/nearly-1-4-us-hospital-patients-experience-harmful-event-study-finds-rcna65119