A Team Approach to Safer Medicine
Edward H. Dench, Jr., MD, an anesthesiologist from State College and former president of the Pennsylvania Medical Society, believes that a team effort is key to improving patient safety and reducing medical errors.
“Patient safety truly starts with all of us,” says Dr. Dench. “At its core must be close cooperation and communication of physicians, patients, all medical personnel, and system administrators.”
So, what are some ways patients can team up with their health care providers?
Dr. Dench offers the following suggestions to help safeguard medical processes at every level:
- Learn everything you can about your condition, treatment, tests, and results.
- Provide health care personnel complete medical information, including names of any medications you’re taking. (Use the Pennsylvania Medical Society's medical history wallet card [Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader] to conveniently record your medical information.)
- Understand fully your medical instructions before leaving a doctor’s office, clinic, or hospital.
- Be sure that all hospital personnel identify themselves when they enter your room.
- Speak openly with your physician about any personal concerns related to patient safety.
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