Health care workers too are traumatized by preventable errors in what’s known as the “second victim” phenomenon. Doctors and nurses can lose confidence, have flashbacks and feel like abandoning their careers.

It is important to note that many of preventable medical errors that occur are likely related to system-wide problems like fragmented organization, burn-outs, miscommunication between doctors, nurses, and pharmacists, and look-alike drug vials, and not because of negligence or malice on the part of the individual doctor. Therefore, in order to address this problem, doctors, hospitals, and the government must work together to take a variety of coordinated steps at a national level. Indeed, experts primarily attribute rising incidences of preventable medical errors to the fragmented nature of care provision and the lack of financial incentive to ensure procedural adherence. 

One way of improving communication is by hospitals adopting and implementing electronic health records and exchange of health information between hospitals/healthcare centres. Electronic health records reduce paperwork and administrative burdens, cut costs, reduce medical errors and, most importantly, improve the quality of care. Patient outcomes improve when a complete medication history is available, particularly when combined with lab test results, electronic order entry systems and decision prompts also being provided through a state-of-the-art electronic medical record system. And when doctors and staff spend less time dealing with paper records, they have more time to care for patients.

The potential for mistakes is highest when routines are delayed or changed. Operating rooms are turned over quickly, nurses change shifts in the middle of a procedure and doctors fail to lead pre-surgery checklists. Cases have been reported where surgeons have amputated the wrong limb in a hospital. It sounds absurd, how could a doctor have done that?, yet it can occur in cases where that surgeon has walked into the operating room and the patient has already been draped and prepped on the wrong side.

With proper reform measures hospitals and health care professionals will hopefully be able to provide high quality, cost-effective care while simultaneously reducing the occurrence of preventable medical errors.

That said, we have to recognize that hospitals are dangerous places.  They’re high-stress places, where doctors and nurses are pushed to the limits of their productivity. As a patient, you too can help prevent errors by being an active member of your health care. That means taking part in every decision about your care. Research has shown that patients who are more involved with their care tend to get better results and that better communication between families and doctors could prevent over a third of medical errors. So don’t be intimidated by doctors and nurses and feel too scared to speak up or ask questions. 

What can you do?

·         Make sure that all of your doctors know about every medicine you are taking.
This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines and dietary supplements, such as vitamins and herbs.
 

·         Bring all of your medicines and supplements to your doctor visits.
this can help you and your doctor talk about them and find out if there are any problems. It can also help your doctor keep your records up to date and help you get better quality care.
 

·         Make sure your doctor knows about any allergies and adverse reactions you have had to medicines.
This can help you to avoid getting a medicine that could harm you.

·         When your doctor writes a prescription for you, make sure you can read it.
If you cannot read your doctor's handwriting, your pharmacist might not be able to either.

·         Ask for information about your medicines in terms you can understand—both when your medicines are prescribed and when you get them:

o    What is the medicine for?

o    How am I supposed to take it and for how long?

o    What side effects are likely? What do I do if they occur?

o    Is this medicine safe to take with other medicines or dietary supplements I am taking?

o    What food, drink, or activities should I avoid while taking this medicine?

·         When you pick up your medicine from the pharmacy, ask: Is this the medicine that my doctor prescribed?

·         If you have any questions about the directions on your medicine labels, ask.
Medicine labels can be hard to understand. For example, ask if "four times daily" means taking a dose every 6 hours around the clock or just during regular waking hours.

·         Ask your pharmacist for the best device to measure your liquid medicine.
For example, many people use household teaspoons, which often do not hold a true teaspoon of liquid. Special devices, like marked syringes, help people measure the right dose.

·         Ask for written information about the side effects your medicine could cause.
If you know what might happen, you will be better prepared if it does or if something unexpected happens.

·         If you are in a hospital, consider asking all health care workers who will touch you whether they have washed their hands.
Handwashing can prevent the spread of infections in hospitals.

·         When you are being discharged from the hospital, ask your doctor to explain the treatment plan you will follow at home.
This includes learning about your new medicines, making sure you know when to schedule follow-up appointments, and finding out when you can get back to your regular activities.It is important to know whether or not you should keep taking the medicines you were taking before your hospital stay. Getting clear instructions may help prevent an unexpected return trip to the hospital.

·         If you are having surgery, make sure that you, your doctor, and your surgeon all agree on exactly what will be done.
Having surgery at the wrong site (for example, operating on the left knee instead of the right) is rare. But even once is too often. The good news is that wrong-site surgery is 100 percent preventable. Surgeons are expected to sign their initials directly on the site to be operated on before the surgery.

·         If you have a choice, choose a hospital where many patients have had the procedure or surgery you need.
Research shows that patients tend to have better results when they are treated in hospitals that have a great deal of experience with their condition.

·         Speak up if you have questions or concerns.
You have a right to question anyone who is involved with your care.

·         Make sure that someone, such as your primary care doctor, coordinates your care.
This is especially important if you have many health problems or are in the hospital.

·         Make sure that all your doctors have your important health information.
Do not assume that everyone has all the information they need.

·         Ask a family member or friend to go to appointments with you.
Even if you do not need help now, you might need it later.

·         Know that "more" is not always better.
It is a good idea to find out why a test or treatment is needed and how it can help you. You could be better off without it.

·         If you have a test, do not assume that no news is good news.
Ask how and when you will get the results.

·         Learn about your condition and treatments by asking your doctor and nurse and by using other reliable sources.
For example, treatment options based on the latest scientific evidence. Ask your doctor if your treatment is based on the latest evidence.

Reference: 

ü  AHRQ's Patient Safety information

ü  Deadly medical errors: A hidden health care issue by Donovan X. Ramsey