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March
4, 2010
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Deadly
Medical Errors
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Do not become a statistic. If you
listen to the news one statement you will hear over and over
again is Medical Malpractice. Doctors give opinions on the news.
“We do more tests and give more medication, because we are
worried we will be sued”
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They have a right to have that
worry, however, I don’t hear “I am worried I will do too
many tests or give a medication that might react with another
medication”. If the medical community is focused more on
getting sued then giving the proper medication or care, who is
focusing on the patients?
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It is time to take control of your
own health care. It is noted in the Patient Safety in American
Hospital Study 2008, almost a quarter million deaths were found
to be preventable. It is not just stated in that study, but many
other studies as well. All you need to do is go to the web and
you can find statistics that are staggering.
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What can you do to keep you and your
loved ones safe and informed? Have an advocate with you when you
go to the hospital or clinic. If you don’t have someone with
you, ask to have a patient advocate sit with you during your
visit. Having an extra set of ears and support can help decrease
mistakes and misunderstandings.
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Establish a relationship with your
health care team. Make sure they know you by name and have a
clear medical history. Have a list of questions ready for your
medical team, if possible. Make sure you have a list of your
current medication and dosing. If you are given medication, make
sure you recognize the medication. If you don’t recognize it,
you have the right to ask questions. Medication errors happen to
people just like you every year. Approximately 1 million people
every year according to drug and injury.com- you can get this
statistic anywhere you go on the Web.
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Make sure you know medications can
look alike and even sound similar. Have your advocate take notes
on your medication and any changes that are made.
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It is difficult to remember
everything that is said in the hospital or clinic. Write things
down it could save your life.
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I will be updating my site with
information that will help you navigate our medical community.
You deserve to have the tools to take charge of your Medical
Care.
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March 3, 2010
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Quality Care in the Medical
Community
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What does Quality Care look like in
the Medical Community?
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When you enter a clinic or
hospital from the time you arrive, to the time you leave, an
experience is created.
What that experience looks like
depends largely on the people that are apart of your
Health care team. From the Volunteer to Patient Registration,
your nurse, nursing assistant, and doctor, they all
impact your experience.
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What should you expect from your
Health care Team?
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To feel safe
To be respected
Communication
Timely information
Privacy
Staff sensitivity
Smooth transition
Empathy
Understanding your plan of care
Participating in your plan of care
Non judgmental
Positive non verbal expressions
Understanding
Cleanliness
Staff ask for your feedback-how
are we doing?
Resourceful staff
Compassion
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Think about an experience you had in
your Medical Community. Did it have all the components of the
quality care listed above? If not, what can you do about it? You
deserve all of the above with a smile. You should leave your
experience feeling at peace, and thinking to yourself "
what an outstanding experience" " I will recommend
this facility to other people" If you leave with anything
less then that, you did not get what you deserve.
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Always remember, you are important
and deserve to receive quality care. If you don't receive
it,then someone should be made aware of your experience. ( share
positive feedback as well).
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Who can you contact to share your
experience?
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A patient advocate
The CEO
The Department of Health
CMS-Center for Medicare and
Medicaid Services
The Office of Health Facility
Complaints
The Medical Review board
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