Avoiding Medical Errors

I know of a friend who went to a doctor because of pain somewhere around his stomach area. After some minutes of consultation, the doctor gave him a drug prescription. My friend, instead of going straight to the drugstore, researched about the drug that was given him. To his shock, he was given a drug exclusively given to those suffering from epilepsy.

Medical errors happen. They may involve drugs, surgery, laboratory reports, diagnosis, prepared food, or tasks done during hospital routines. Besides, not all doctors are good doctors. Not all doctors are sufficiently knowledgeable or skilled. So before you make a decision to accept a doctor's prescription or take a drug, seek further information about the treatment given. Make sure your doctor's medicine is the correct medicine.

Like my friend, a most important way to avoid medical errors is to actively participate in your medical or health care. Research. Get latest scientific evidences on what works best and what to follow. Speak up, ask questions. Make informed decisions.

Such indeed provides peace of mind.