Health & Fitness Tools

Pharmaceutical Consulting And Medical Errors

27th June, 2010 - Posted by health news - No Comments

In the past five years patient safety has had much more attention than at any other time, that is the good news.

The bad news: Medical errors are the eighth leading cause of death in the U.S., responsible for as many as 98,000 deaths each year even though we have experienced pharmaceutical consulting.

The better news is that according to the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), while many errors result from the complexity of health care systems, patients can protect themselves by taking control of their health care.

The most common forms of medical error come during diagnosis, surgery or over medication but they can be prevented if manufacturers use pharmaceutical consulting and government agencies make the healthcare system safer. However you should get involved with your own healthcare because these changes would take years to be adopted.

“Don’t assume everyone knows everything they need to about your health care,” says Dr. Boyd Lyles, director of Heart Health and Wellness Centre in Dallas. It is evident that people get better results from their health care if they take an interest in it.

Here are some recommendations for getting involved with your own care to prevent errors:

make sure that you understand everything the doctor says about your condition and medications by asking them to describe them in simple terms. Medical issues are often described in technical and confusing terms. Before you leave the doctors surgery make sure you understand how to take each medicine, what time and how many.

Also, remember to tell every member of your healthcare team informed of any new developments. You should tell your doctor about every medication you take from the simplest vitamin supplements to the most complex prescription medications. Additionally, be sure your doctor knows of any allergies to prevent getting a medicine that can harm you. If you have diabetes or any allergies to medication then you should wear this on a medical ID bracelet. Wearing one of these bracelets could be the difference between life and death in a medical emergency, so never take it off.

Finally, exercise your right to question anyone involved with your care-from physicians to pharmacists to insurance companies.