Up to 80% of serious medical errors are caused by miscommunication. Here’s how to protect yourself.
Understand the risks throughout the process
Contrary to popular belief, risks aren’t confined to the operating room. In reality, more than half of all surgical errors occur outside the operating room. These errors can include miscommunication during patient handoffs, incorrect patient preparation, failure to properly monitor patients after surgery, and errors in medication administration.
Unfortunately, most of the factors outlined above are outside of your control. That’s why you need meticulous research before you select a hospital to ensure you opt for a hospital with rigorous safety protocols in place and low complication rates.
Be proactive during patient handoffs
Handoffs, when care is transitioned from one medical professional to another, are especially vulnerable to miscommunication. Important details can be lost, overlooked, or misinterpreted, leading to preventable errors.
Stay Informed: Being an active participant in your care, by asking questions and ensuring that all personnel are on the same page regarding your treatment, can mitigate these risks.
Introduce Yourself: Every time a new healthcare provider comes to your bedside, make it a practice to introduce yourself and state your primary medical concern or the procedure you’re undergoing.
Ask for Clarifications: If you hear something you don’t understand or that sounds different from what you’ve been told before, speak up. Ask healthcare professionals to explain terms or instructions in layman’s terms.
Encourage Clear Documentation: Ask the healthcare provider if there is a system in place for documenting handoffs. If possible, request a copy or summary of the handoff notes for your records.
Have an Advocate: If possible, have a trusted family member or friend present during handoffs, especially if you’re not feeling well. They can listen, take notes, and ask questions on your behalf.
Pay close attention to medications
Incorrect medication administration can stem from miscommunication about drug allergies, incorrect dosages, or even administering the wrong medication altogether. At minimum, keep a list of all your medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Update this list whenever there’s a change and share it with every healthcare provider you see. For each medication, know its name (both brand and generic), its purpose, the dose, how often and when you should take it, and any potential side effects. Ideally, bring in a bag of all of your medications to avoid mistakes.
Always double-check any medications given to you. Whenever you’re prescribed a new medication, ask why it’s being given, how it interacts with your current medications, and if there are any alternatives. If the color, size, or shape of your regular medication looks different, ask the pharmacist or nurse why. Errors can happen, and visual cues can be your first indication.