International Patient Safety Day | Speak Up for Patient Safety
Complex healthcare systems can often stray away from patient safety considerations. In fact, up to 4 out of 10 patients are harmed in primary and outpatient care settings. More adverse events occur in low- and middle-income countries, leading to millions of deaths. International Patient Safety Day reminds us that no one should be harmed in health care. All stakeholders in health care (doctors, administrators, policy makers, and patients) must work together to build a culture of safety at all levels of the health care system.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), some ways to help ensure your own safety as a patient include:
- Being actively involved in your own care
- Being informed
- Asking questions
- Providing full information about your medical history
Other ways to increase your own patient safety may include:
- Reading the labels on your medications (see WHO’s 5 Moments for Medication Safety)
- Taking the correct dosage of your medications
- Making sure your medical providers are aware of any allergies you may have
- Identifying a family member or friend who can advocate for you
- Being prepared – thinking of what you want to learn ahead of your visit to the doctor
People entrust medical professionals with their lives and their well-being every day. We encourage health care providers, policy makers and patients alike to show their commitment to making health care safer for everyone.
We’re Here to Help:
When a patient’s injuries result from a violation or deviation of the standard of care, it is considered medical malpractice. The team of medical malpractice attorneys at Martin, Harding & Mazzotti, LLP has been working on behalf of victims and their loved ones in the upstate New York region for more than 20 years.
If you or a family member has been seriously harmed by the negligence of a medical practitioner or facility, you may be entitled to compensation. If you feel you have a case, schedule a free, confidential consultation and we’ll help explore your legal options. Contact us online or by phone at 1800LAW1010 (1.800.529.1010) to get the justice you deserve.
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