PREVENTING HOSPITAL ERRORS

According to a study in the April 2011 issue of Health Affairs, drug mix-ups, hospital-acquired infections, and other hospital errors are far more common than previously thought.

Researchers reviewed the medical records of 795 patients at three large hospitals, looking for adverse events that were voluntarily reported and those that were detected by an automatic system that reviews billing and discharge records. They also looked for events that had gone undetected. Only four evens were voluntarily reported, and 35 were detected by the automated review. But the researchers themselves found an extra 354 events.

Overall, adverse events occurred in about one-third of all hospital admissions. Researchers suggested that their findings probably underestimate the problem since they took a retrospective review, not a real-time observation.

If you are headed for a hospital stay here are some steps to take:
* Bring a list of all drugs and supplements you take as well as a brief health history.

* Keep a log of all tests, treatments and consultations. Check medications and doses before you take them.

* Have one person coordinate your care, whether it’s a physician, a hospital social worker, or a case manager. Keep your medical doctor in the loop too.

* Have a friend or relative with you whenever possible.

* Be respectful, and don’t hesitate to ask to speak to a nursing supervisor if you think your needs are not being met.

* Make sure all visitors – including hospital staff members – wash their hands often to prevent transmitting germs.

* Understand the plans for your discharge, including the drugs you may need once you go home, as well as dietary or other changes that need to be followed.