Across the United States, medicine errors result in health
problems, including deaths, each year
Often these problems can be prevented
Many are caused by mere communication breakdowns between
patients and their health care providers
Aurora Health Care is committed to preventing medicine errors and
creating a safer environment for our patients. For the past several
years, we have taken many steps to improve medication safety, including:
Electronic prescription writing in hospitals and clinics. Our
physicians write prescriptions using a computer, which reduces the
chance of errors.
Medication storage and tracking systems.
Pre-printed physician orders, to ensure that necessary.
information is always included when a medication is ordered.
Educational materials for patients and staff.
And most recently – bringing our patients to the planning
table.
Introducing the Walworth Patient Safety Council
Patients,
community members, and health care providers in Walworth County have
partnered to work together on ways of improving medication safety. The
patients recommend areas of improvement from their own perspective and
offer feedback on tools to ensure safety. They have taken an active role
in designing and creating a personal medicine list for keeping track of
medicines and sharing with one's doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. (Download
a personal medicine list in Adobe
Acrobat format.)
The
council also designed a medication bag. These bags were widely
distributed to community members, so they can carry their medicines to
appointments for review by the doctor or nurse.
What can YOU do to help ensure medication safety?
Know your medicines. Whenever you are prescribed a new
medicine, be sure to ask the following:
Why am I taking this medicine?
How long do I take this medicine?
Are there any side effects?
Do I continue my other medicines?
Keep a list of all medicines you take, including
over-the-counter medicines (such as herbals, vitamins, antacids,
aspirin). Share this list with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist and
caregivers.
We are partners in making sure you take the right medicines, in the
right amounts, at the right times. It is always okay to:
Ask questions about your medicines
Let your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist know if a medicine looks
different to you, or if anything on the label does not seem right to
you
Ask to compare your medicine list with the one listed in your
medical record at the doctor's office or pharmacy
There are simple steps you can take while you are at home or in the
hospital that will help you stay safe. Click for safety tips
at home and while you are
hospitalized.
DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this site is intended for
general information and educational purposes. It is not intended to
replace the advice of your own physician. Contact your physician if you
believe you have a health problem.
