As a nurse, I lost my faith in hospitals years ago. I personally believe that hospitals can be extremely dangerous place I’ve seen since I’ve got my degree in nurse. I’ve seen health care system gone through multiple changes and what is very frightening and very disheartening to me is that there is their is disconnect between hospital staff and the people who walk through the door.
People are so busy in a hospital, they typically don’t look at patient’s treatment process and chart. Medical errors such as delays in diagnosis, preventable surgical complications and medication overdoses are a leading cause of death and injury in the United States. An estimated 80 percent of the most serious medical errors can be linked to poor communication. Medical mistakes caused by errors in communication, are considered very preventable, but unfortunately, far too many Americans are still suffering injury or death as a result of this activity. Medical office staff, nurses and physicians need to understand the importance of documentation which is the best way to communicate patient events.
Documentation not only includes symptoms, diagnosis, care, treatment and medication but also problems and risks to health and safety information can all be effective in preventing medical errors. According to the recent study by using a more modern method for passing on information to the next team of doctors and nurses dramatically reduces the odds of communication errors. it is important for families and patients to be aware that medical miscommunications can be deadly. Families should understand that they may have a legal right to seek relief – when treatment goes awry – by filing a medical malpractice lawsuit.
When your doctor writes a new prescription for you, make sure you ask for information about your new medicine in terms that YOU can understand. Always be sure to speak up if you have concerns regarding your medications or your treatment. When you are being discharged from the hospital, make sure you meet with your Doctor and discuss your treatment plan, follow up visits, and how to follow your treatment from home.
If you have story related to medical error, I would love to hear about your unique experience as a patient which may
help others to know that they are not alone in how they may have been
treated. Lets ban together, raise awareness, and help to make our health
care system safer for everyone.
I truly thank you for your time, your interest, and for becoming aware of, “MEDICAL JEOPARDY!”
Image source: inform.kz
