Avoiding Medical Errors During Your Child's Hospital Visit
Whether your child is rushed to the hospital during an emergency or admitted for a scheduled surgery, parents take on the tough role of patient advocate. Medical errors are one of the nation's leading causes of death and injury. A recent report by Health Grades, Inc. concludes that as many as 195,000 people die in U.S. hospitals each year as the result of medical errors. When facing the unexpected and somewhat unnerving experience of a hospital stay, being an informed parent can become your best tool in avoiding medical errors.
Schochor, Federico and Staton, P.A., offers the following recommendations for ensuring your child's safe hospital visit:
1. Always discuss, in detail, with your doctor or surgeon exactly what medical procedures will be performed. Medical errors including "wrong site" surgery occur. Even once is too often. If surgery is involved, ask your doctor to initial the exact site on your child's body that is to be operated upon. This procedure, suggested by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, prevents operation on an incorrect body site. If the doctor's initials are not present, there is no surgery on that site.
2. Know exactly which medications, dietary supplements and vitamins your child is currently taking. Request all written material on medication that is prescribed. If you have questions about dosage or frequency of medication, be sure to ask your child's doctor. By having written material on expected side effects, you will be prepared and informed should you have an unusual reaction.
3. Know your son or daughter's medical history and be prepared to share all the details. Don't leave something out just because you think it is not relevant. A doctor may find that particular bit of information useful in diagnosing or treating your condition.
4. If hospitalization is involved, upon discharge, ask for a detailed explanation of your child's treatment plan. This includes learning about medications, how much, how often and potential side effects. Before or immediately following discharge, schedule a follow-up appointment with your doctor. Once home, report any symptoms or side effects to your child's physician immediately.
5. Research your child's condition, as well as various treatment options that are available.
Visit http://www.guideline.gov/ to research the latest scientific evidence regarding treatment options. Be sure to ask your doctor if the treatment recommended is based on the latest scientific findings.
About the Author:
Schochor, Federico and Staton, P.A.
Medical Malpractice Lawyers in Maryland
1211 Saint Paul Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21202
Phone: (410) 234-1000
TOLL FREE: (888) 234-0001
Fax: (410) 234-1010
Email: jschochor@sfspa.com
URL: www.sfspa.com