Check out the following websites and resources for consumer-friendly information on patient safety (all links open in a separate window):
- The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality sponsors and conducts research on health care outcomes, quality, and cost, use, and access. It also promotes patient safety and the reduction of medical errors. Check out "Be an Active Health Care Consumer."
- Institute for Healthcare Improvement is a not-for-profit organization driving to improve the quality and value of health care for patients, communities, and the health care workforce. Check out the "5 Million Lives" campaign's materials for patients and families
- Institute for Safe Medication Practices works closely with health care practitioners and institutions, regulatory agencies, professional organizations and the pharmaceutical industry to provide education about adverse drug events and their prevention. Check out "How Consumers Can Prevent Medication Errors" and "Safe Medicine", a consumer education newsletter.
- An independent, not-for-profit organization, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations is the nation's predominant standards-setting and accrediting body in health care. Check out patient safety information for the general public, including "Patient 101: How to Find Reliable Health Information."
- National Council on Patient Information and Education is a patient safety coalition working to advance the safe, appropriate use of medicines. The website is designed to help consumers make sound decisions on their use of medicines. Check out the council's tools and information for medicine users and "Be Medwise," its campaign on the safe use of over-the-counter medications.
- National Patient Safety Foundation (NPSF), a not-for-profit organization, is the indispensable resource for individuals and organizations committed to improving the safety of patients. Check out NPSF patient safety tips and information for patients and families.
- The Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority is an independent state agency charged with taking steps to reduce and eliminate medical errors. Check out "How You Can Help Prevent Medical Errors."
- VA National Center for Patient Safety embodies the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) commitment to reducing and preventing adverse medical events through a unified and cohesive patient safety program. Check out "Patient Safety for Patients."