Medical Errors in the U.S.

The top error cited in this study was receiving the wrong medication. In WA State, a lawsuit was recently filed by a patient who received a prescription medication she had taken before, and it was filled incorrectly at the pharmacy. However, even though she thought it looked different, and made her feel different, she continued taking it. It was not picked up until she want to a different pharmacy for a refill and they saw what was written on the bottle did not match her prescription.

While health care providers have a responsibility to deliver safe care, mistakes undoubtedly happen. Consumers need to take an active roll their care as well. Ask questions! Demand answers! If something does not seem right speak up! Do not trust anyone blindly with your health care. Educate yourself as to your medications, dosages, common side effects and what they are for! It is not okay for you NOT to know your medications.

The article:

"Thirty-four percent of Americans reported at least one of four types of medical errors in the past two years. These included receiving a wrong drug, incorrect treatment, incorrect test results, and delayed test results."

Read the rest here.

Barbara C. Phillips, NP
OlderWiserWomen™