Patient Safety Events
Medical mistakes continue to be a significant cause of preventable deaths within the United States. While death is the most tragic outcome, medical mistakes cause other problems such as permanent disabilities, extended hospital stays, longer recoveries, and additional treatments. Medical mistakes and their consequences also add significantly to the overall cost of healthcare. Hospitals and healthcare providers are being held accountable for the quality of care and reduction in medical mistakes by their accrediting bodies. You can also improve the quality and safety of your own healthcare and that of your family members by learning more about and understanding your risks. Take these simple steps:
This is why being a more engaged patient is important and can help you avoid common medical errors through good communication. The resources here will support your patient safety efforts.
- The Joint Commission’s Speak Up™ patient safety program.
www.jointcommission.org/topics/patient_safety.aspx The Joint Commission helps health care organizations to improve the quality and safety of the care they deliver. - The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
www.ahrq.gov/patients-consumers/ AHRQ makes available a wide-ranging list of topics not only to inform consumers about patient safety but to help choose quality health care providers and improve the quality of care you receive. - The National Patient Safety Foundation
www.npsf.org The National Patient Safety Foundation has information on how to ensure safer health care for you and your family. - The National Council on Patient Information and Education
www.bemedwise.org The National Council on Patient Information and Education is dedicated to improving communication about the safe, appropriate use of medication. - The Leapfrog Group
www.leapfroggroup.org The Leapfrog Group is active in promoting safe practices in hospital care. - The American Health Quality Association
www.ahqa.org The American Health Quality Association represents organizations and health care professionals working to improve patient safety.