5 Powerful Ways to Prevent Medical Errors During Your Hospital Stay
“These strategies are powerful tools for preventing medical errors during your hospital stay, the work of protecting yourself begins before admission and continues after discharge.”
The Hidden Dangers in Hospital Care
As if you weren’t uncomfortable enough, being admitted to the hospital can feel like entering a different world. You’re wearing a thin gown that’s gaping open in the back, hooked up to monitors with wires going everywhere, and have an uncomfortable IV in your arm. What’s more, it feels like you suddenly have very little control over what happens to you. As an Emergency Physician with 20 years of experience, I’ve seen how medical errors can occur even in the best hospitals by the best care teams. But here’s the good news: many of these errors are preventable when you know the right strategies and take hospital stay preparation seriously. The five methods I’m about to share have helped countless patients prevent medical errors and stay safer during their hospital stays – including one surprising technique that most people never think about until it’s too late.
Why Hospital Stay Preparation So Critical
You’ve probably heard the basics: “bring a list of your medications” or “ask questions about your care.” Yes, these are important, but they barely scratch the surface of what’s really needed to prevent medical errors. In my years as a Physician and now as an Independent Patient Advocate, I’ve discovered that the most common mistakes often happen because of communication gaps that can be prevented. The patient safety tips and medical error prevention strategies I’m sharing today go far beyond the usual recommendations to provide you with real, action steps you can take to protect yourself.
5 Game-Changing Patient Safety Tips to Prevent Medical Errors That Actually Work
1. Create Your Personal Care Dashboard
Yes, I am “Type A” but even if you aren’t, now is the time to be super organized and focus on the details. Get a pen and notebook or open a document on your phone or computer. You’ll use this to keep your own detailed tracking document during your hospital stay. You’ll want to include your daily medications, tests you have done and their results, and care team members’ names. This personal medical record helps you track your progress and prevents miscommunication between shifts. Keep it visible and accessible, this notebook becomes your personal medical error prevention toolkit – I’ve seen it save lives.
2. Know Your Care Team Inside and Out
It’s time to make friends – every time someone enters your room, ask for their name and role in your care. From physicians to food service staff, understanding who’s who creates accountability and strengthens your safety net. You may also make someone’s day and create an ally who is helping you prevent medical errors and get the best care they can provide. Pull out your notebook and take notes. If you have time to learn something personal about each person, it makes your hospital stay a little less lonely too. This collection of caregivers is also the best way for you to know who to go to if you need to raise concerns or ask questions about your care.
3. Master the “Verify and Validate” Method
If you’re a woodworker, you understand the term measure twice, cut once. This is somewhat similar to that. Before any medication or procedure, perform this three-part check: confirm it matches your care plan, understand why you need it, and make sure it aligns with your treatment goals. Don’t hesitate to speak up if something seems off – I’ve seen patients prevent serious errors by simply asking “Why am I getting this now?”
4. Take Control of Your Daily Care Updates
When I was a medical student, my rounds started at 4 am and it was pretty rare for someone to have any questions (or really anything at all to say to me) that early in the morning. As I moved up in my training and rounds happened later in the day, patients had a lot more to say. Those who had questions and participated in the discussions felt like part of the team. Make your morning rounds count by actively participating in your care discussions. Get a clear picture of your progress, understand any changes to your treatment plan, and know exactly what to expect in the next 24 hours. This is your time to make sure your care stays on track.
5. Deploy the “Safety Scan” Method
In the times I’ve been a patient, I’ve seen my water bottle on the bedside table just out of reach thinking, “do I press the call button for something as minor as getting my water?” But I was really thirsty…This simple patient safety tip has prevented countless falls and reduced discomfort. Make a plan to check for what you need each time you are moved or someone comes in and out of your room. Is your call button within reach? Do you have your needed personal items? If you are allowed food and water, do you have what you need? Are any medication pumps alarming? This proactive strategy helps you spot potential problems before they become serious issues. It also keeps you safe in the bed, as many preventable injuries occur due to patient falls. Remember – Call Before You Fall!
Turning Knowledge Into Action
These strategies work together to create a strong plan to prevent medical errors. I’ve seen patients use these exact techniques to stop everything from minor medication mix-ups to potentially serious surgical mistakes. The key is getting started the moment you enter the hospital and keep it going throughout your hospital stay.
Maximize Your Hospital Stay Safety
While these strategies are powerful tools for preventing medical errors during your hospital stay, the work of protecting yourself begins before admission and continues after discharge. As an Independent Patient Advocate, I can help you prepare for a planned hospital stay by:
- Creating a pre-admission checklist customized to your medical situation
- Developing a personalized version of these five strategies for your specific needs
- Teaching you and your family members how to implement these safety measures effectively
- Helping you understand what documentation to keep during your stay
After your hospital stay, we can work together to:
- Review your hospital documentation to ensure you understand everything that happened
- Identify any areas of concern that need follow-up
- Create a plan for implementing your discharge instructions successfully
- Organize your medical records for future reference
With an Independent Patient Advocate You’re Never Alone
Being admitted to the hospital can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it all out alone. Let’s work together to prepare you with the knowledge and strategies you need to be a strong advocate for your own care. Contact me today to schedule a pre-hospital stay consultation or to review a recent hospital experience. Your safety matters – let me help you protect it.
Note: Always consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to your health management approach.
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Dr. Kelly Carter, MD, FACEP, BCPA is a Board Certified Patient Advocate as well as a board certified Emergency Physician with over 20 years of experience in the ER. She helps patients navigate complex medical conditions and healthcare decisions through AlignedCare Advocacy.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified health professional for any questions you may have regarding your health.
