Patient Safety Authority Supports 'National Patient S...(efulinformation on how they can assure q...),Health

-- Speak up if you have questions or concerns, and if you don't understand ask again. It's your body and you have a right to know.

-- Pay attention to the care you are receiving. Make sure you're getting the right treatments and medications by the right health care professionals. Don't assume anything.

-- Educate yourself about your diagnosis, the medical tests you are undergoing, and your treatment plan.

-- Ask a trusted family member or friend to be your advocate.

-- Know what medications you take and why you take them. Medication errors are the most common health care mistakes.

-- Use a hospital, clinic, surgery center, or other type of health care organization that has undergone a rigorous on-site evaluation against established, state-of-the-art quality and safety standards.

-- Participate in all decisions about your treatment. You are the center of the health care team.

The Authority also provides several links on its consumer web page at http://www.psa.state.pa.us with more information and resources patients and family members can use to prevent medical errors.

"We should have confidence in our doctors and nurses treating us, but it's perfectly acceptable to ask questions to help ensure your safety," Doering said. "The Authority will continue to provide guidance to Pennsylvania's healthcare facilities to reduce medical errors and improve patient safety; however consumers of the healthcare system can help by getting more involved in their healthcare."

The July 25, 2008, National Patient Safety Day is a grassroots collaboration of community-based patient safety advocates throughout the country. The Authority collaborated with the Pulse of PA, the Pennsylvania patient safety advocacy organization to raise awareness of the effort to g
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