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JCAHO encourages patients to "Speak Up" to avoid medication errors

Patient Safety Monitor Alert, February 7, 2005

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The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) announced on January 27 its national campaign to avoid medication errors. Medication mistakes are the most common type of error in healthcare, according to the JCAHO.

The campaign extends beyond hospitals, as medication mistakes can also occur when clinics and doctors' offices prescribe medications that are filled at pharmacies and taken home.

The JCAHO provides a list of ways that people can avoid errors at the doctor's office or pharmacy including:

• Maintain a list of your current prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, herbs, and supplements, and share the list with your doctor
• Remind your doctor of any allergies or reactions
• Make sure that you can read your doctor's handwriting on prescriptions

The JCAHO also provides a list of measures patients at hospitals and clinics can take to avoid medication mistakes, including:

• Make sure the doctor or nurse checks your wristband and asks your name before administering medications
• Speak up if you believe the doctor or nurse is giving you the wrong medication
• Tell your nurse or doctor if you don't feel well after taking a medication

For more information, visit the JCAHO Web site at www.jcaho.org.

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